A 21-YEAR-old hairdresser has returned home from Uganda after an "eye opening" experience.

Sophie Leanna Appleton-Hendy, of Llandudno in West Shore, jetted off to Kampala and spent 11 days cutting children's hair.

Children have to have short hair to attend school.

Sophie, who works at Tommy’s Hair Company, was at a school called Jolly-Mercy. She carried out about 50 haircuts, trained people on how to cut hair and opened a salon, located near to the school.

The award-winning hairdresser, who took 15 hair clippers with her - donated by Tommy's - said: "It was such an amazing experience to see how different people live in other countries and cultures.

"I did around 50 children's haircuts in the school and then trained a number of people on how to cut hair and gave them clippers to set them up.

"The salon I opened is permanent - I've paid for five months rent to start them off.

"I also paid for two children to go to school through money I raised. It feels amazing that I have been able to do this."

Sophie, who aims to return in August, also took out pens, pencils and toiletries.