HEREFORD’S very own city child has celebrated her birthday by deciding to shed her flowing locks.

Olivia Rose Thompson marked her ninth birthday by having her hair cut by city stylist Peter Prosser.

The hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust to be turned into a real hair wig for children who have lost theirs through cancer treatment.

Olivia, a pupil at Our Lady’s Primary School in Belmont, was nominated as Hereford’s City Child in 2000 as she was born at the same time as Hereford City Council was formed.

Each year on her birthday, her family, who live on Ross Road, is invited to tea with the mayor where Olivia is presented with a cake.

Meanwhile, the city’s Junior Mayor, Jane Farmer, has handed over a cheque for almost £900 for two county charities.

Jane, aged 11, also had her hair cut to raise funds for the trust in July.

The total of £869 was collected through donations which included £500 from the Barrels pub.

It will be split between the Trust and bereavement support charity the Noah’s Ark Trust.

“Jane has put in a lot of hard work and determination in raising the money,” said Hereford Mayor, Councillor Sylvia Daniels.

■ A convoy of pink cars had people staring in amazement when a rally in aid of the Little Princess Trust made its way from Hereford to Birmingham last Sunday.

A total of 29 cars, which came from as far away as Yorkshire, Wigan and Worksop, completed the course, spreading the name of the Hereford-based charity along their way.

Sali Gray, who organised the event, said: “People stood and stared in amazement, children screamed and cars flashed their lights and beeped their horns as they spotted the rally.”

The cars ranged from tiny Smart cars to a pink stretch limousine.

Also on track was a Cadillac Mazda 121, which is being auctioned on eBay in aid of the Little Princess Trust.

Elizabeth Hurley also donated four swimwear sets from her collection, which were modelled by volunteers at the beginning of the rally, and will be added to an auction for the children’s charity.