A COLEG Gwent student has had her first ever haircut and raised over £200 for charity at the same time.

Brave Independent Living Skills (ILS) student Vicky Midgley had her waist length hair, originally measuring 46 inches, cut to her shoulders in aid of the Welsh children’s cancer charity Latch.

Although it was a big step for the 17 year-old, Vicky had plenty of support on hand from friends and tutors at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus.

Hairdressing Lecturer Mari Lewis cut Vicky’s blonde hair and styled it into a new shorter cut.

Speaking about the decision to cut her hair for charity, Vicky said: "I was really nervous, but it was something I really wanted to do. I’m really proud that I’ve managed to raise so much for charity, and thanks to everyone who has helped me.

Vicky, who only ever had small trims before the cut, was sponsored by friends and family as well as Coleg Gwent staff and students. The thoughtful student also donated the 4 ounces of her cut hair to Banbury Postiche in Oxfordshire, where it will go to make wigs for cancer sufferers.

For each of Vicky’s 34 inches cut, the company offered £7.50, which will be added to the £254 total already raised for Latch.

She added: "I love my new style, and it’s going to be a lot easier to manage too."