A Garnock Valley teen has raised well over £1,000 by bravely getting a whopping 40cm cut off her hair as part of Autism Awareness Week.

Natalie Clark, who goes to Garnock Community Campus, underwent the courageous act to raise money for National Autistic Society.

Natalie has autism and her hair is one of her triggers in that other people touching it causes her anxiety.

Last week’s challenge was therefore a major step for the fourth-year pupil and had taken almost a year of preparation.

Gemma Steel from Steelworx Hair Design in Kilbirnie came into the school during lunch time to cut Natalie’s long locks.

The 16-year-old now intends to donate the 15inches of hair to the Little Princess Trust.

Natalie said: “I want to raise awareness so that people understand autism and that I am not weird – I am just me.”

Liana Barr, Pupil Support at Garnock Community Campus, said that she and all of the department were “super proud” of Natalie.

She added: “Natalie has raised over £1,000 with at least another £800 still to come in from Pupil Support.”

Visit here to donate to Natalie’s Just Giving page.