A YOUNGSTER has raised money for a charity supporting her brother by chopping off her long locks for the first time in her life.

Amy-Jorja Peacock, aged seven, bravely sat still as the scissors sliced her waist-length brown wavy hair to her shoulders as family and her Hunters Cheerleading teammates supported her.

Money raised from the chop, which currently stands at £330 — more than double Amy-Jorja's target of £150 — will go to a charity called Unique, which has supported the family since her older brother Mark’s diagnosis of a chromosome disorder in January.

Mum Laura Peacock, aged 31, has kept her hair growing since she was born apart from the occasional trim.

The mum-of-two, of Wright Street, Horwich, said: "I think it was me that was the most emotional about the chop as this is the first proper haircut she has ever had. Since she was a baby I have left it to grow, apart from a trim here and there to get rid of the ends.

"I left it because I thought it'd be good for her to experience having really long hair — it's not really practical when you're older and have to go to work.

"It wasn't until she asked if she could have it cut earlier this year that we discussed doing it for a good cause."

Mark's condition, called 16p11.2 microdeletion, affects approximately one in 3,500 and means the 10-year-old has some learning difficulties, a visual impairment, and he is also being tested for autism.

As well as fundraising for Unique, Amy-Jorja's hair will go to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have sadly lost their own hair through cancer treatment

Mrs Peacock added: "I am so pleased for Amy-Jorja, especially because she is quite shy and doesn't like the limelight. Knowing that she will help others like Mark makes me really proud."

Amy-Jorja said: "I was very nervous but I am glad I did it. Everyone has said how much my new hair cut suits me."