Between them they have cut, clipped, curled and coaxed the hair of thousands of customers over the decades.

After Yvonne Chapman shut up her shop, she invited the trainees, to a celebratory event held at St Begh's Social Centre, to catch up on the crack.

The gathering saw 10 of Yvonne's apprentices - all, of course, with fabulous hair - celebrate their former boss's 60 years in business.

Yvonne, 78, whose salon was in the town's Market Place, said: "It was a really great night. I would like to thank all my customers and former staff for their presents and over 100 cards.

"My husband, Lennie, said he has had over 100 sympathy cards!''

Entertainment at the event was provided by Beth McGarry, Malcolm Dowler and Lennie Robson, as well as Lennie and their daughter, Jayne Vincent.

"One of my former apprentices, who came to the party, was Hazel Waddington,'' said Yvonne. "She has retired before me!''

The "swish of hairdressers'' are from the left: Brenda Long, Pauline Hutchinson, Tracey Shepherd, Jean Bowden, Gillian Barnes, Yvonne, Chapman, Leah Bell, Glenys Walker, Hazel Waddington, Eleanor Torrance and Geralyn Heaton.


RELATED: Yvonne hangs up her scissors after 60 years