A kind-hearted teenager raised more than £1,000 as she donated nine inches of her hair to charity.

Lucy Klass, from Edgware, made the cut when she agreed to have nine inches cut off her hair to help less fortunate children.

The 13-year-old’s locks were donated to The Little Princess Charity, which provides wigs for children suffering with cancer.

The teenager also collected sponsorship money of more than £1,100 for Jewish Child’s Day, which supports underprivileged Jewish children all over the world.

The student from Yavneh College, in Hillside Avenue, Borehamwood, said: “My mum beat cancer last year. It's a horrible disease but luckily my mummy's hair didn't fall out with her treatment, although for most people having chemo it does.

“I want to help children who have to cope with this terrible illness. I have to be honest, I was a little nervous on the day but if cutting my hair can make a wig for another child and put a smile on their face – it’s the least I can do.”

Mother Melanie Klass, who is the chief executive of charity Jewish Child’s Day, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2013, but after two operations, six months of chemotherapy and one month of radiotherapy she has been given the all-clear.

She said: “In a day and age where our children are growing up in such a privileged way it is so important that they learn to give to others less fortunate than themselves.

“I was truly touched that Lucy wanted to donate her hair to a less fortunate child. The idea was totally Lucy’s but she had full support from all of her family and friends.”