A young reporter has raised hundreds of pounds for charity by having her waist-length blonde hair shaved off.

Lydia Johnson, a trainee journalist at the Hereford Times, was sponsored more than £800 to get the chop in aid of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation – beating her target of £500.

The 20-year-old, who passed her NCTJ preliminary exams at the City of Wolverhampton College in August, said the cause had always been close to her heart.

Sophie Lancaster was also 20 when she died after she and her boyfriend were attacked by a gang of thugs who took issue with their gothic style of dress.   Some of the money will also go to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Before and after...trainee reporter Lydia Johnson had her hair shaved off for charity

Said Lydia:  “I wasn’t nervous beforehand and don’t miss my hair at all, I’m intending to keep it short and hassle-free.

“I chose to give half to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research as everyone knows someone affected by some form of cancer,  and it’s also in memory of a fellow reporter’s dad who died from cancer last year.

“I can’t believe how much people have donated – thank you so much to all who have given.”

The cuttings will be now be made into a wig by the Little Princess Trust, to give to a child who has lost their hair through illness.