AN "organic" hairdressing salon in a small village is leading the way with its environmentally-friendly agenda.

Michelle Costello opened Green's Hairdressing salon 15 months ago, working on her own because she was unsure how the public would take to alternative hairdressing.

Now, the stylist has taken on three staff to cope with the demand.

The salon uses products with natural ingredients. The hair lightener contains seaweed instead of bleach, and fruit and herbal extracts in place of peroxide.

Ms Costello, from Pelton, gained her expertise in organic hairdressing at a London salon.

She said: "As my business has grown and the community has become more aware of my stance on the environment, I have had to expand and refurbish the salon, employ a team of staff and continually research and improve the organic and mineral products."