A CARING little girl proved she was a cut above after donating her hair to help children with cancer.

Elena Hamill, eight, had never had a hair cut apart from a trim and was happy to hand over eleven inches of her long locks to help make a wig for sick children undergoing chemotherapy, through the Little Princess Trust.

The Whinhill Primary pupil was joined by her emotional mum Carmen as she went for the chop at Amy Kelly Hair on Greenock's Union Street.

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

Elena, speaking beforehand, said: "I am excited and a bit nervous to get my hair cut short because I have always had long hair.

"I think it's a good thing to do to help other girls and boys."

The youngster lives with mum Carmen, dad David, and little brother two-year-old Fraser in Maple Road in Greenock.

Carmen, 37, a graphic designer, said: "I am so proud of Elena, she had been asking me if she could get her hair cut for ages but I couldn't bear the thought of all her lovely hair going in the bin, but then I came up with the idea of donating her hair to charity and Elena became very invested in the idea.

"She was so excited when she raised more than £150, enough to cover the cost of a fitting, and she found out all about the charity."

(Image: Public)

Elena has already smashed her target of £700 to make the wig with her JustGiving page sitting at more than £800. Her next goal is to raise £1,000 for the charity.

As a reward Elena was also getting her hair coloured with a streak of violet and light blue at the front, in time for her ninth birthday on July 24.

Hairdresser Amy said: "I think what Elena is doing is amazing.

"It is such a nice thing to do. Most wee girls want to wear their hair long, I think she is very brave."

If anyone would like to support Elena's fundraising they should visit:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/elenashairchop?