It's going to be a cold, cold winter for Colchester student Emma Gambling.

The 17-year-old from the town's Sixth Form College has had her long hair shaved off to earn much-needed funds for orphans in Ecuador.

Along with more than 20 other students, Emma, of Marram Close, Stanway, is off to the South American country next July to help redecorate an orphanage in the capital Quito and teach the youngsters English. They will also visit a national park on the edge of the Amazon Basin.

Her linguistic skills should come in very handy, for, in addition to maths and psychology, Emma is studying A-level Spanish.

The sponsored headshave is set to make more than £400. "That is more than we were hoping for," she said. "We were expecting to make between £200 and £300."

Emma has been told she may have to wait up to six months for a decent head of hair, but in the meantime she is the centre of attention among college friends.

"They think it is really good, and keep coming up to me and rubbing my head," she said.

Press officer Phil Brighty said: "We were really delighted that Emma has made this sacrifice, and were behind her 100 per cent. It was totally her idea, and it is very brave of her."

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