INSPIRING eight-year-old Freya Norton has had her prized ponytail cut off – so a poorly child can have a wig for Christmas.

Thoughtful Freya, a pupil at St Barnabas School in Knowlesley Road, Darwen, had her hair cut during school assembly, collecting sponsorship money and donations for the Little Princess Trust.

The charity, whose profile was raised significantly in March when pop star Jessie Jay shaved her hair off in the name of the trust, collects donations of hair to turn into wigs to give to children suffering from cancer and alopecia.

Freya, who lives in Belgrave Road, wanted to raise £350 to cover the cost of making the wig from her donated hair but the generosity of her classmates and teachers meant she raised more than £500 for the trust.

Freya’s mum, Pauline Norton said: “I’m not sure what inspired her to do it, really.

“One night I was tucking her into bed and she said that she wanted to cut her hair off and donate it to a child who hasn’t got any.

“I tried to talk her out of it at first because she’s only eight and it seemed like a very big decision. I was concerned that she might not have thought it through properly.

“But she was adamant so we just had to let her do it in the end and now she loves her new short hair.

“She’s always been a thoughtful and caring child – it’s just the way she is.

“Freya’s the type that will lose a game on purpose if she thinks the other child won’t like losing.”

Helen Thomas, deputy head at St Barnabas said: “We are so very proud of her. Freya held her ponytail aloft in assembly after bravely having it cut off and all the children and staff were so proud of her and she has been supported by everyone.”