A SIXTH-FORMER took a cutting edge approach to helping those suffering with cancer yesterday.

Emily Pritchard-Pitts is now sporting a shaved head after raising more than £1,000 and donating her hair to charity.

The pupil at The Marlborough School, Woodstock, had her luscious locks lopped off in front of family and friends at the school yesterday.

The hair will now be given to the Little Princess Trust, which provide wigs for children suffering from cancer.

Emily, 16, said: “It was fantastic. All the support in assembly from the sixth form and teachers was just amazing.

“I have known about the charity for a little while. It is a really lovely charity that gives children back their normal life so I wanted to donate my hair. I know a wig costs about £350 to make so I have been fundraising as well.

“It was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I decided to do it about a month ago. It feels different but I really like it.”

School friends, teachers and family gathered in the Shipton Road school assembly hall to watch and cheer Emily on.

The Bletchingdon schoolgirl has been collecting sponsorship in the lead up to the big day, totalling about £1,300.

School principal Andrew Hanlon said: “She should be very proud of herself.”

The fundraising teen is already thinking of having a close shave again once her hair grows back next year.

Charity manager at Little Princess Trust, Monica Glass, said: “Everyone connected with the Little Princess Trust is so very grateful to Emily for doing so much to help others. Her hair donation will be blended with others that are similar and will be manufactured into a wig and given to a child suffering hair loss.

“How wonderful that one teenager wants to do so much for another. What a great girl.”