A BARBER is preparing to celebrate his first birthday in an historic shop in the heart of town.

David Maddison has enjoyed a fruitful first year in the former confectionery and tobacconist shop, Hare’s of Hexham, in Fore Street.

Having specialised in gentleman’s hair cutting across the North-East for the last 30 years, David expanded his barbering business to Tynedale in 2018 to run alongside his other shop, the Station Barbers, on Neville Street, in Newcastle.

He said: “I used to work in a market town in Morpeth for about 12 years and I always wanted to try something a bit different, which is why I came to Hexham.

“I love it here. The people are brilliant and very supportive, and they are always wishing me all the best. It sums up the community spirit of the town.

“I have tried to make the business a bit different than just offering hair cuts, and we’re looking at a diverse range of hair and beard management and up-to-date hair and beard products.”

When David took on the business, he was determined not to change the name of the shop.

He said: “I kept the name of the business because it works well. When I found out the name, it was an omen and it’s been a bit of a talking point in the town. The shop has a long history as a tobacconist and sweet shop, so it’s good to keep the building going.”

To mark its first anniversary, Hare’s of Hexham will host a celebration event at its shop on Saturday, March 9.