An award-winning hairdresser has transformed a derelict building into an exciting new barber shop aimed at reigniting the town’s high street.

Beth Johnston, 37, from Bootle, has launched a brand new male hair studio on 36 Laptone Road in Millom, after a six-month renovation project.

The barber shop, aptly named Blades, has an exciting range of features, including a Playstation Four and spiderman cutting chair to keep younger clients occupied.

The hairdressing connoisseur decided to launch the salon after a ‘spontaneous idea popped into her head’.

She said: “I had worked at a barbers in Ulverston for more than 14 years and another barbers in Barrow for six years and felt it was time to branch out on my own.

“At this time I was already doing one night a week mobile hairdressing in Millom and had already built up a customer base there.”

Mrs Johnston was invited into the prestigious British Barber Association’s Hall of Fame in December 2018 after she was chosen as the People’s Choice Winner.

She said: “I was really chuffed with the award. I didn’t expect it at all so to receive it was such an honour.”

The mum-of-three hopes to branch out into cosmetics and tanning facilities in the future.

She said: “In the future, I would like to include sunbeds and botox and branch out into that sector.”

Blades is hosting its official launch event on Tuesday, March 26 from 9am-6pm, where there will be free drinks and nibbles.

Mrs Johnston invites all members of the public to attend.