A LITTLE girl from Wirral is set to have her long hair chopped off to make wigs for youngsters battling cancer.

Gemma Rimell, from Eastham, will have her hair – which falls right down her back – cut to shoulder length in aid of the Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides real hair wigs to boys and girls across the country who have lost their own hair through treatment for cancer.

And nine-year-old Gemma wanted to lend her support to those children fighting illness.

Her mum, Michelle Jones, said the youngster is excited to get her locks snipped to help others.

She said: “Gemma’s hair is down to her bottom and she has only ever had it trimmed at the hairdressers so it’s quite a big deal for her.

“She got the idea after reading about a girl in another part of the country doing it and wanted to try it herself.”

Gemma’s plans also follow six year-old Amelia Brayley from Leasowe cutting her hair for the Little Primcess Trust.

But the Millfields C of E primary School pupil is also hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity to help fund the making of the wigs.

Michelle added: “We’re asking men who maybe need a haircut to come along and, instead of paying the salon, make a donation instead. We’ve already got some sponsorship but we’re hoping to get at least £500.

“At least seven inches of hair is needed to make a wig but we think around 14 inches will end up being cut off so hopefully it will make a difference.”

Gemma’s haircut will take place on January 24 at Tina’s Hairdressers, Mill Park Drive, Eastham.

To sponsor Gemma, visit www.justgiving.com/gemma-rimell