A BARBER who has styled, snipped and washed his way through more than 40 years at the same Gravesend hairdressers is hanging up his scissors.

After spending more than half his life cutting hair at Continental Gents Hairdressers grandfather Tom Maguire has decided it is time for a well-deserved break.

At the end of September the 76-year-old will be shutting up shop and taking his final snip.

Mr Maguire, who commutes to Gravesend each day from Tilbury in Essex, said: “I have been hairdressing for 60 years so it is about time I had a break.”

Taking over the business on July 5 1964 the father-of-two has spent 44 years working in the salon by the Thames - believed to have been established in 1851.

During his reign features have remained, including the red hairdressing chairs which were in the shop when he took over.

But the years have also brought change - not only has the price of a hair cut increased from five shillings to £6, but according to Tom Gravesend has also altered since 1964.

He said: “The town used to be so busy. There used to be a ferry running to the pier every 15 minutes, and the side streets would be heaving. But times have changed.

“When gates were installed outside the shop it cut my business by half. I used to have my own car park but that has gone now.”

Although times have proved challenging Tom has always been able to rely on his regular customers.

Ron Stanford, 61, of Chalky Bank has been getting his hair cut at Continental Gents Hairdressers since 1961 - even before Tom took over.

After decades of fantastic service he is sad to see Mr Maguire go.

Mr Stanford said: “I keep coming back because Tom does a good job on your hair. He is one of the survivors in Gravesend for doing the old traditional cuts. You don’t get the same experience elsewhere.”

As Tom looks forward to a happy and relaxing retirement he also passes on some words of wisdom to other aspiring hairdressers.

He said: “I want to thank my long serving customers as without them it wouldn’t have been possible to be here this long.

“My key to success is take your time, have a good laugh, do a good cut and keep them (the customer) happy.”