An inspiring five-year-old girl who attends Culford School, near Bury St Edmunds, has cut off 12 inches of her hair to donate to a cancer charity.

Annabella Ellis, a pre-prep pupil, learnt of a friend’s treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma causing hair loss and made the decision to have her locks cut to help children in a similar position.

Annabella’s hair will now go the Little Princess Trust charity, which provides real hair wigs to children free of charge across the country who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatments or other illnesses.

The charity works with specialist suppliers and hairdressers offering wigs which are tailored to the individual child’s needs.

Annabella’s mother, Rachel Ellis, said: “Although it was a brave decision, it really hasn’t bothered her at all. She loves the new length and we are all so proud of her for the kindness and generosity she has shown in helping someone less fortunate.”