A girl from Cashes Green who loves rock music and its culture dedicated her birthday yesterday to a charity that fights hate crimes against those who dress differently.

Now 7-year-old Emilia Long was inspired to raise money for the Sophie Lancaster foundation after her brother - another rock fan - had some “awful” experiences at school.

The foundation was set up in memory of a woman and her boyfriend who police believe was murdered for wearing gothic fashion in 2007.

“I have asked my mum how I can help raise money to help the Sophie Lancaster foundation because I want them to come to more schools to teach children not to hurt each other for how they look,” Emilia writes on her fundraising webpage.

Emilia’s mum Claire told the SNJ: “She came to us and asked if she could get people to help her,”

“She had all kinds of ideas such as sponsored trampoline sessions and then finally asked if she could donate her birthday to the cause.

“The response from parents has been fantastic.”

For her actual birthday on Tuesday, Emilia had a tea party then went to train with Stroud Hockey Club.

Before that, Emilia has a perfect day out on Saturday in Swindon where she went to the cinema, played golf followed by a Halloween event and an ice hockey match.

Emilia is collecting donations via JustGiving - view her page here: bit.ly/2qw9Dds