A HAIRDRESSING duo are hanging up the scissors after more than four decades of cutting hair.

Eileen and George Mawson have seen three generations of families through their chairs at Mawson's Hairdressers, in Davis Avenue, St Helen Auckland, County Durham, since they first took the shop in the late 1950s.

The couple are bidding a fond farewell to loyal customers - but are looking for someone to take their place to keep the local service going.

George said: "People have looked after us - and we have looked after them - very, very well indeed. We are hoping to find someone to carry on cutting the hair of people who have been coming in for 40-odd years."

The property is owned by Wear Valley District Council, but the Mawsons are hoping to pass the goodwill of the salon on to someone looking to make a go of it.

The warmth of friendship from the community towards Eileen and George has both surprised and pleased them over the years.

The couple are greeted when they go out and about, and George's scissor speed has earned him the cheeky nickname Slasher from youngsters on the estate who make regular visits to his chair.

Both Eileen and George have umpired badminton at international level and are hoping to pursue this and other hobbies during their retirement.

Anyone interested in taking the goodwill and lease on the shop can contact George on either (01388) 604105 or (01388) 602803