A BIG hearted Crossgates girl has had a close shave all in the name of charity.

Aerin Lethiers, 10, decided to lose her locks in aid of the Little Princess Trust – and even got her mum Marianne to get involved too.

The pair had their hair shaved off and, as well as Aerin's hair being donated to the charity, they managed to raise approximately £1,600.

Marianne said she was "super proud" of her daughter who got inspiration for the shave through a television show.

"She does think about her friends and is quite an emphatic little girl but to do that was pure selflessness. I am super proud of her," she said. "Aerin was really excited – she was braver than I was but she had a lot of support.

"Her friends came down and were so nice and really positive with her. As soon as she felt the the razor she winced but she was really happy with it.

"Her hair was about 33 centimetres so it was below her shoulders and she had it all completely shaved off."

Aerin, who attends Crossgates Primary, was delighted with the money raised.

"The generosity of everyone has been amazing," added Marianne. "She initially said she wanted to raise £200 and we got to that within an hour and a half."