In pictures: Plait's the way to do it, as Market Drayton youngster loses tresses for charity

But, for one moment, she couldn't quite believe what had happened after hairdresser Kelly Davies took the scissors and carried out the deed.

Savannah had been nicknamed Rapunzel because of her flowing locks. But when she heard of the Little Princess Trust she decided she wanted to sacrifice her long hair in order to help others.

Savannah also raised about £1,000 in sponsorship to have her hair cut. The nine-and-a-half inch plaits will be used by the charity to help make wigs for children suffering hair loss through cancer treatment and illness.

Her mum Kelly said: "I am really proud of her. She pulled a few faces during the haircut, but was eventually happy with her new style."

After spending years growing her hair long like a princess, Savannah now sports a graduated bob.

Savannah of Prospect Road, Market Drayton, braved the scissors as Kelly, from Harvey's Hair Salon in the town, chopped off her locks.

Kelly said she and her husband Ian "could not be prouder" of their daughter.

"Savannah's spent three years growing her hair, she wanted to grow it as long as Rapunzel's but out of the blue about six weeks ago, she just said she'd had enough and wanted to have her hair cut, so me and her dad told her about the Little Princess Trust, and she loved the idea of it, so we went from there," she said.

"It was only going to be seven inches off but when the time came, she had enough for nine-and-a-half inches. It's lovely to think Savannah will be making a real difference to a less fortunate little girl, that's a nice thought and makes us very proud of her."

Despite saying goodbye to her long locks, that isn't the last of Savannah's fundraising efforts, as she has organised a children's party at the Lord Hill in Market Drayton on June 11.

Taking place between 3pm and 5pm, there will be a bouncy castle, face painting, food and squash for the youngsters, at a cost of £2 per child. Kelly said Savannah's aunt, Sinead McTaggart, has also promised she will also brave the scissors at the party if her fundraising total reaches £1,500 by then.

"What's started as a hair cut has now actually turned into a fundraising challenge and a lot of fun," said Kelly.

"I think the last few weeks have been a real eye-opener for Savannah, and although she was a little apprehensive before sitting in the chair at the hairdressers', she's now very happy she's done it and knows what it will mean to another little girl."

She added: "Savannah has also held a cake sale and a prize bingo in the last few weeks, she's been fantastic. We're so proud of her."