A HEREFORD-based charity has awarded more than half a million pounds to seven research studies into childhood cancers.

The Little Princess Trust has awarded a total of £537,482 to projects which include studies in Wilms' tumours, lymphomas, high-risk neuroblastoma, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and brain tumours.

The announcement comes following a rigorous review by the charity's research advisory group at the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG).

The charity's objective is to fund research into the causes and cures for childhood cancers and to support research into less toxic treatments with fewer side effects, including hair loss.

Monica Glass, charity manager, said: "It is thanks to the wonderful efforts of our supporters who help the charity by donating their hair and often also raising money, that we are able to fulfill this long-held ambition of funding research into childhood cancers."

This third round of funding brings the Little Princess Trust’s investment to just over £1.2 million.

For more information on the research projects being funded, visit http://www.cclg.org.uk/cclg-funded-research/Little-Princess-Trust-Funded-Research