A business owner is hanging up his shears after deciding to shut his barbers after 32 years.

David Armstrong, of David B Barbers on 13 St Mary's Chare in Hexham, has decided now is 'the right time' to close the business before the lease on the building has to be renewed.

Dave opened the business in 1991 and continued the history of the building being a barber shop.

"Although it is sad to close, I am 60-years-old now and would like to slow down a little," Dave said.

"I have mixed emotions about closing the business in Hexham, as we have had a lot of customers who have been with us for many years since I opened in 1991.

"We had to get over a lot of hurdles such as Covid but we managed to carry on afterward, so that was not a problem.

"But I have another business that I would now like to focus on that."

"For a long time, I tried to find someone local to take over the shop but no one wanted it.

"Plus with the staff also getting older, like I am, they did not want the responsibility - so we are handing back the keys to the landlord who hopefully can find someone.

"I would just like to thank all the customers who have been with us since the start and my hardworking staff."

The shop will close permanently on July 8 but the shop will still be open Monday to Thursday but with limited staff.