Hairdresser's 50 years at the top

Award-winning hairdresser Tony Bunch is celebrating half a century of tending tresses – and plans to carry on cutting at his Black County business.

Tony, aged 65, had dreamed of a brush with soccer stardom before changing his goal to score success with the scissors. He has run the Tony Bunch Hair Studio in High Street, Kingswinford, since 1986.

And he has just handed over the reins to his 40-year-old son Darren.

But Tony, who now lives in Wordsley, will continue to cut hair at the salon to keep in touch with his loyal customers.

He said: "Some of the customers have been coming to me for 50 years, they have become friends. I really don't want to say goodbye just yet," he said.

"I'm not retiring. I only do three days now and I'm full every day."

He said he originally wanted to become a footballer but due to an injury and not making the grade, he decided to become a hairdresser. Oakham-born Mr Bunch attended Tividale Comprehensive School and left aged 15, when he started a three-year apprenticeship at a barber's shop in Silver End, Brierley Hill.

In 1962 he came third in his first hairdressing competition. He also taught hairdressing at Dudley Technical College during the 1980s. The highlight of his career was scooping the national championship in 1973.

Son Darren said: "It's always been nice working with dad, it's been 25 years now."