A teenager has donated 11 inches of her hair to be made into wigs for children battling cancer following the death of her beloved uncle from the disease.

Ionie Wheeler, 13, of Primrose Road, South Woodford, had her long hair cut on Friday at the Inspiration salon in George Lane.

Her hair will now be donated to Little Princess Trust - which makes the wigs.

The year 8 pupil at Woodbridge High School said: "My uncle was brilliant and I loved him very much.

"I wanted to do something to help others in a similar situation, and when I found the Little Princess Trust, it seemed like a very worthwhile thing to do.

"He would have thought what I have done is funny. He thought everything was funny.

"Having short hair is weird because when I walk passed a mirror it doesn't look like me.

"I was less nervous about having it cut off than my mum and dad. The hairdresser even cried at the end when it was gone."

As well as donating her hair, Ionie has also raised £1,300, which is enough money for the charity to make three wigs.

Ionie's uncle Jonny passed away in February after battling skin cancer.

To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/IonieWheeler.