A MUM has had 18 inches of hair cut off in memory of a friend who died from cancer and in support of a teenage girl battling the disease.

Diane Hambley, of East Road, Oakfield, Cwmbran, had her first hair cut in around ten years on Monday - her 42nd birthday - to raise money for Sarcoma UK and Hospice of the Valleys.

She had planned to continue growing her hair but that changed after her friend Kate Smith passed away in October aged 36 from breast cancer which spread to her brain.

Another friend's 14-year-old daughter from Blackwood, is also battling the disease.

Since she launched the fundraising bid, mum-of-three Ms Hambley has raised around £460 which she will split between the two charities.

"My initial target was to raise £250 so I am ecstatic to have raised so much," said Ms Hambley, who works in the force control room for Gwent police.

"I am so pleased by the way people have offered support.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported me."

Ms Hambley will donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust charity to make a wig for a child undergoing cancer treatment.

She also wished to thank hairdressers at Euphoria Tanning for supporting her by offering the cut free of charge.

To donate visit the Virgin Money Giving page at bit.ly/2joo0ft.