A seven-year-old ‘Rapunzel’ has had more than a foot of her luscious locks chopped off to help youngsters with cancer.

When straightened, Connie Montella-Gambell’s hair measured about 29in from root to tip and was down to the top of her legs.

But this month, the Iwade Primary School pupil had just over 16 inches removed, taking her barnet up to her shoulders.

Hairdresser Alex Singleton at Strawberry Blonde Hair Boutique, Park Road, Sittingbourne, carried out the honours in front of proud mum Natalie and grandmother Susan.

Also watching from the sidelines was the youngster’s aunt Chloe Fleetwood, her two-year-old cousin Honey and family friend Nici Tewkesbury with her 14-year-old daughter Leah.

The plaited mop was posted the next day to the Little Princess Trust which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

The youngster came up with the idea after her Year 3 teacher Belinda Gaiger lost her year long-battle against cancer during the October half term.

She also did it in memory of her godfather George Packer, a former Borden Grammar School pupil, who died from Ewing’s sarcoma in June 2011 at the age of 22.

Thank to friends and family sponsoring her, she has also raised £880 for the charity. With more money still to come in it’s hoped she will hit her target of £1,000.

Miss Gambell, 29, of Sheerstone, Iwade, said: “She’s been asking to have it cut for ages but I’ve been putting it off because I like it long.

“I got tearful as it was being cut. She kept saying ‘my mum’s crying, my mum’s crying’. But when Alex cut it off and showed her she got tears in her eyes.

“I’m so proud of her, she did so well. Since she’s had it cut off she’s not allowed me to tie it back and she washes it and brushes it herself - she loves it.”

Family and friends came together for a sponsored FIFA tournament in memory of George Packer.

Thirty two people competed against one another on a series of computers when the knock-out competition took place at Woodcombe sports and social club, Church Road, Murston.

Cash prizes of £100 for first place, £60 for second, £40 for third and £20 for fourth as well as trophies were up for grabs.

George’s best friend Joe Perkins, 24, won the competition. He donated half of his winnings as did the others with the last-placed person donating all their money.

Thanks to the £20 entry fee and donations dropped in a collection bucket which was going around on the day £576 was raised.

It will be split between Cancer Research and Clic Sargent. This was the third fundraiser of its kind to be held by those who knew Mr Packer.

• To sponsor Connie, visit www.justgiving.com/natalie-gambell