A THOUGHTFUL Inverclyde schoolgirl who volunteered to have her long locks chopped off has proved to be a cut above — after smashing her fundraising target 12 times over.

Mhairi Johnson, nine, decided to have her hair cut in aid of the Little Princess Trust and Ardgowan Hospice.

The St Mary’s Primary pupil had hoped to raise £50, but the total quickly smashed through £600.

Mhairi, who lives in Gourock, will visit Hair Lounge in Eldon Street tomorrow, where up to 10 inches of her beloved locks will be chopped off and donated to the charity, which provides wigs for children who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatment.

The sponsorship money will be donated to the hospice.

Mhairi told the Tele: “I thought I would get £50 or less but it has kept going up.

“I talked about it a long time ago and here we are now.

“I thought it was a nice thing to do, although I’m excited and nervous about it at the same time.”

Mum Elaine Gillespie is delighted at the gesture.

She said: “The whole family are so proud of what she’s managed to do in such a short space of time.

“Hair Lounge have kindly said they will do it free of charge and will make a donation as well.

“Everybody that meets her says her hair is fantastic.

“Her grandpa was devastated that it’s going. He’s the last person that wants it cut off!

“But because so much has been raised even he doesn’t mind.

“Mhairi said now she wants to grow it back — then cut it off again!”

To sponsor Mhairi, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mhairi-hair-cut