Tending to her lusciously long locks became something of a labour of love during lockdown. 

Now, after more than three years of growing her hair, a schoolgirl from south Norfolk has undergone the chop to help others.

And not only has nine-year-old Sofia Christoforou-Hazelwood had a whopping 45cm (around 18 inches) cut off, but she has also raised hundreds of pounds by doing so.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Sofia Christoforou-Hazelwood (bottom) with mum, Lorna, sister Georgia (6), and dad JustinSofia Christoforou-Hazelwood (bottom) with mum, Lorna, sister Georgia (6), and dad Justin (Image: Courtesy of family)

Parents, mum Lorna and dad Justin explained how proud they both are of their eldest daughter and what she has achieved. 

Mrs Christoforou-Hazelwood, of Bunwell, near Attleborough, said: “Sofia had her beautiful long, wavy hair chopped off to donate to the charity Little Princess Trust.  

“The charity specialises in making wigs for children and young people affected by cancer. They are also one of the largest funders of research into childhood cancers. 

“Sofia’s target was to raise £550, which covers the cost of making an entire wig, but she's smashed that.”

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Measuring time!Measuring time! (Image: Courtesy of family)

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To date, the youngster, who is also a swimming superstar at Diss Otters, has raised more than £800 for her efforts.

Described by her teachers as a “thoughtful and assertive” individual, she likes to flex her helpful muscles as a leader of her school’s lunchtime crew. 

She is also a keen dancer, a dedicated Brownie attendee and an inspirational older sister to Georgia, aged six.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Having the chopHaving the chop (Image: Courtesy of family)

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Mrs Christoforou-Hazelwood added: “Cancer is something that unfortunately and undoubtedly affects all of us at some time or another in our lives. 

“I lost my dad, the girls’ grandad, to bowel cancer in 2022, and I also have several friends who have been through – or are still going through – their own cancer journeys. 

“We are very proud of Sofia for doing such an amazing thing for an amazing charity.” 

Sofia's had her haircut at Zig Zag in Long Stratton by hairdresser Cathy Tyrrell.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: All done! Well done, SofiaAll done! Well done, Sofia (Image: Courtesy of family)

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Before and after for the Little Princess TrustBefore and after for the Little Princess Trust (Image: Courtesy of family)