A Dalton business has celebrated its 50th year since opening.

Last Tuesday, Odette’s Hairdressers reached the milestone after opening its doors in 1971.

Owner Odette Richardson, who lives in Dalton, started the business when she was just 18 and is delighted to reach half of a century.

Odette said: “I was only 18 when I opened the shop and was very nervous about it all as I didn’t know what would happen.

“But to reach 50 years is something that I am really proud of.

“It really doesn’t feel like 50 years since I started and honestly didn’t think that I would be working in the shop for so long.

The Mail: WINNER: Dawn collecting a prizeWINNER: Dawn collecting a prize

“I’d like to thank all my clients and staff who have supported me over the years.

“I would have loved to have celebrated it, but obviously we can’t at the moment due to the third national lockdown.”

Dalton councillor Shaun Blezard has congratulated Odette on her achievement.

He said: “Being a baldy, I am obviously not a regular at Odette’s Hairdressers, but as a councillor and a local resident of Dalton it is great to see a local business hit this amazing landmark.

“Well done to everyone at Odette’s and long may it continue.”

Throughout her time at the shop, Odette has experienced some great memories while working with her clients.

Odette admitted that she enjoys the social aspect of hairdressing just as much as cutting and styling hair.

She said: “I could write a book about all the good times I have had here.

“I love chatting to the clients.

“We all have really good fun in the shop even when we’re not cutting hair.

“People like coming in for a chat, so it just as much a social thing, even though I really do enjoy hairdressing.”

Working alongside Odette is Dawn Smith, who will also be reaching her own milestone this year.

In August, Dawn will reach 35 years since joining Odette’s Hairdressers, with Odette reserving special praise for her colleague.

The Mail: COLLEAGUES: Dawn (left) and Odette have worked together for nearly 35 yearsCOLLEAGUES: Dawn (left) and Odette have worked together for nearly 35 years

Recently, a beauty room was added to Odette’s as part of a refurbishment at the shop.

Odette is now looking forward to reuniting with her clients once the lockdown has finished.

She said: “It’s boring not being in the shop.

“I am just looking forward to meeting my clients again and cutting hair.

“I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed this job, until I had to stop during these lockdowns.”