Cliff makes final cut after 51 years

Cliff hung up his comb and scissors at his town centre premises at lunchtime on Tuesday.

His decision to retire in advance of a major operation to replace his right knee ends 51 years of creating countless haircuts.

He moved to the town with his hairdresser dad in 1957.

They started work in a shop in Manor Place, behind the Royal Hotel, working late until 8pm on Fridays.

His dad retired and Cliff moved to a parade of shops in front of the railway station 20 years ago.

He stayed there for seven years before the premises were pulled down and he was found alternative accommodation on the station forecourt next to Longford Road.

South Bersted man Cliff (64) has shaped and shaved some 20 heads a day during his working life. Favourite styles when he started were based on film star Tony Curtis's looks and blow waves.

'It feels good to be retiring,' he said. 'I think I have done my bit.

'I shall miss it to a certain extent with meeting people and I have made a good living out of cutting hair.

'My father was right when he said to me that I would never become a millionaire, but I would never be out of work either.'

Cliff intends to spend his well-earned retirement, once his new knee is fully working, playing bowls and working in his garden.