A LEOMINSTER woman has celebrated her 40th birthday with more than just presents.

Nikki Blatchford marked her big birthday with a new haircut – with between seven and eight inches of her hair cut off and donated to the Little Princess Trust.

The Hereford-based charity provides real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have sadly lost their own hair through cancer treatment or from other illnesses.

It is the second time Nikki has donated her locks to the charity, having waited 18 months for her hair to grow since the last donation.

Nikki said: “It takes at least 10 ponytails to make one wig and I’m very lucky that my hair grows quickly so it’s one of those things I’m blessed with and something I’m able to do.

“And why not hit the 40s with a brand new hairdo?”

Nikki – who had her hair cut at The Salon in Leominster – grew up in Eardisland but moved away for 20 years before returning to the county in 2012.

She has been fundraising for the Little Princess Trust for many years, having taken part in the Pink Car Rally for the last four years.

But Nikki says she will be taking a break from hair cuts for a little while.

“You can only have a certain percentage of grey hair and by the time it grows again I think it would be a bit too grey,” she said.

“But I’m pleased to say I will have done it twice and I’m planning to do the Pink Car Rally again this year for the fifth time.”

The Pink Car Rally takes place on September 6 and 7 and though the route is yet to be confirmed it will involve a convoy of pink cars circling the M25.

To find out more information or to donate to the Pink Car Rally visit justgiving.com/Sali-Gray-2014