MONTHS after the shutters unexpectedly came down at a popular hairdressers a new team has moved in hoping to restyle its reputation.

In August last year, the Darlington branch of Toni and Guy suddenly closed, leaving many of its loyal customers saddened.

The salon, on Posthouse Wynd, reopened last week under the management of Kerry Atkinson, a 33-year-old Darlington woman who worked at the Middlesbrough branch for 16 years until that branch closed recently.

A number of staff from the Middlesbrough salon have followed Ms Atkinson into her new venture, carrying with them many years of experience.

Ms Atkinson said she was thrilled to have her loyal staff on board as she works to bring the branch back to life and promised that clients would benefit from their expertise as stylists.

Ms Atkinson is also excited to be running a salon in the town where she first trained, saying: “I started off in Darlington and then went to Middlesbrough for 16 years – this is like coming full circle.

“I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to come and take over the franchise and to create a better reputation with a great team.

“We’re trying to build the place up and give it a really great reputation and we want to let everyone know that there’s a new team here.

“We want to make this business as successful as it can be.”

With other opening offers and events in the pipeline, Ms Atkinson and her team are currently offering 25 per cent off for first time customers.