VIDEO An Ipswich hairdresser is celebrating half a century in the industry.72-year-old, John George, has been cutting, trimming and styling for the last 50 years and shows no sign of giving it up yet.

AN IPSWICH hairdresser is celebrating half a century in the industry.

72-year-old, John George, has been cutting, trimming and styling for the last 50 years and shows no sign of giving it up yet.

Mr George retired in 2001 but the lure of the comb and scissors was too strong and he soon returned to the Cutting Garden in the Buttermarket shopping centre, where he works two days a week.

He said: “I'm not ready to quit. My clients have told me I can't leave until they stop coming here. I'll probably die with a pair of scissors in my hand.”

Mr George has seen plenty of styles come and go in his time at several salons and barbers across town.

He said: “I've been here for the Beehive and the Purdy but I didn't go down the punk road. Some things have stayed the same. The bob has never been out of fashion and rollers are still an important tool of the trade. Nowadays people have got so much choice and can afford to be a bit more daring.”

Mr George once specialised in wigs at the Wolsey Theatre where Lorraine Chase and ex Corrie star Susie Blake were among those who benefited from his expertise.

He claims the secret of his longevity is keeping up with his young colleagues.

He said: “The younger ones help to keep me feeling youthful. I've trained a lot of junior hairdressers and it's great to see them become pros.”