A Carlisle schoolgirl is to mark a birthday milestone by getting a close shave to help young cancer sufferers.

Eleanor Elliot is to mark the start of her life as a teenager next week by having her long locks cut off.

Her 21-inch long brown hair will be preserved and sent to the Little Princess Trust after she goes for the chop on Wednesday, May 10 - the day she turns 13.

The charity makes wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment or other illnesses.

It is hoped Eleanor, 12, has enough hair that can be turned into two head pieces.

Eleanor, a year eight pupil at Caldew School in Dalston, is also raising money to put towards the cost of the work.

Eleanor, who lives with her family at Speckled Wood Drive, Carleton, told the News & Star: "I was thinking about my aunt Julie, she's was going treatment for breast cancer and she was slightly scared about what was going to happen.

"It got me thinking about little ones and how they'd be more scared and not as confident."

Eleanor wants to provide a wig to help give a confidence boost to a youngster in need of support.

Eleanor's hair will be cut by her aunt Julie, who is a trained hairdresser and lives in Morton.

"I'm really excited," said Eleanor.

"I know it is going to help little children and I want to try out a new hairstyle."

Staff and students at Caldew School are throwing their weight behind Eleanor.

"Some of the teachers have donated money at school already," said Eleanor.

"My family are asking their friends too so we can get as much help as possible," she added.

More than £200 has already been raised online.

To help Eleanor reach her £350 target, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/EleanorElliot.