A YOUNG Vale girl is getting ready to have her long locks lopped to raise money for this year's Relay for Life in Evesham.

Ten-year-old Jess MacPherson, from Bretforton, will be having her hair hacked off on Tuesday, April 1, after being inspired to raise money for the Cancer Research UK event later this year.

Young Jess made the brave decision to shave her hair in memory of her granddad who suffered with cancer.

The pupil at Bretforton First School, who has hair down to the middle of her back, said: "I wanted to do it in memory of my granddad. I want to raise money for this worthy cause.

"I am slightly nervous about it and my friends think I am brave. But they are pleased for me and people at school have donated their pocket money."

And Jess, who is hoping to raise about £1,000, isn't satisfied with just raising money.

She will be donating all her hair to The Little Princess charity, who make wigs for children who have lost their hair through chemotherapy.

Jess added: "They will make wigs out of my hair. I want children with cancer to be able to have hair."

Another inspiration to Jess has been Sarah Bearcroft and the pair are both part of the same Evesham Relay For Life group, Team Nightingale.

Jess said: "She's motivated me as well because she had cancer and she's helped to raise money."

Mrs Bearcroft, who is ill with cancer, said she was very impressed by what Jess is doing.

To support Jess visit justgiving.com/Karen-Macpherson or come along to Badsey Remembrance Hall on Tuesday, April 1, to watch Jess get her head shaved.