A BARBERS in Prudhoe has celebrated its fifth year in business at its Front Street shop.

StevieCuts, on the town's main street, is hugely popular with local people for its skin fades, modern and traditional cuts, kids' hair, shape-ups and beard services.

The business, which operates a walk-in and appointment system, threw open its doors to customers past and present to toast to its success.

"Since I was 16 I wanted to be a barber", said owner Steven Ong. "After trying my hand at a lot of jobs, it wasn’t until I was around 24 I decided to take up barbering."

During his training, Steven approached a friend who owned a gym and set up shop in a back room full of old sports equipment.

"That was the beginning", he said. "From zero cuts per day, to one cut per day and then gradually building up, StevieCuts’ reputation began to grow.

"Come the beginning of 2017, we were beginning to outgrow our current shop and decided to look for a bigger premises. This is when we found a new shop, fresh and in the centre of Prudhoe high street.

"We started out with a bang and couldn’t believe the response we got from the locals. They were queuing out the door when we first opened, the shop was absolutely packed. What an atmosphere."

Alike other barbers, salons and hairdressers across the country, the pandemic saw treading cease temporarily.

Steven added: "It has been the toughest challenge yet. With the support of regulars, the locals, we are still here! We have been in business almost eight years and just celebrated StevieCuts' 5th year anniversary of the Prudhoe branch.

"Plans to grow and expand have not changed and with the continued help from our customers and clients, we know we can achieve just that. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported us up until now, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you."

Gordon Stewart, Northumberland County Councillor, who represents Prudhoe South, heaped praise on StevieCuts. He said: "We have amazing small businesses in Prudhoe, providing great service to the community which is so important and often not shown in bigger areas or out of town retail centres.

"I ask that everyone tries to do at least some of their shopping locally."