A long-established hairdresser who has spent more than four decades tending to the barnets of Meriden residents is enjoying his first few days of retirement after handing over the reins to his two colleagues.

Mick Skinner has been trimming fringes and perfecting perms at Vogue hairdressers in The Gossamers, Garston, for 42 years.

But the 65-year-old and life-long Garston resident has now put down his comb and scissors for good, a moment which he admitted was “a little bit emotional”.

Customers and colleagues presented Mick with gifts to mark the occasion - including a meal for two at The Grove and “copious bottles” of booze - before he repaid the favour by treating his workmates to a meal at the Blue Check in Bushey.

Asked what he would do with all the extra free time, Mick said he would play more golf, go to the gym, cook and help around the house.

He said: “It’s been strange – I’ve got so much time on my hands. I’ve seen the kids around Garston grow up and be replaced by the next generation.”

He added that he thought he had retired at just the right time.

Fellow hairdresser Julie Leigh, who has worked alongside Mick for 14 years, and chiropodist Kelly Haysman will now take over the running of the shop on a joint lease.