More than £1,000 has been raised for Harold's Saint Francis Hospice through the brave efforts of an eight-year-old girl.

Paige Walsh, from Cranham, became a star for the day when she had her hair, which reached past her knees, cut off to raise money for the charity, based at Havering-atte-Bower.

And there was a round of applause and a few tears as assistant manager at Uppercuts in Upminster, Eddie White went to work with his scissors.

The family is now hoping that her blonde hair can be used to help a cancer patients or someone else in similar need who is suffering from a loss of hair and are trying to find someone who is prepared to make a wig out of Paige's locks.

Paige is now thrilled with her shorter hairstyle and is busy collecting the money from her friends and relatives who agreed to sponsor her.

Hospice spokesman Tony Shaw said: "We think Paige is a really brave little girl, and we are very grateful for her help. There were a few tears when she had her hair cut, but she has no regrets and is still thrilled by it all."

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