A SALON in Cardenden is offering any homeless person a free haircut, shampoo, hot drink and good company this Christmas.

Revive Hair & Beauty are opening their doors this festive season as Clare Mitchell, salon owner, believes that “everyone deserves a treat at Christmas”.

She told the Times: “I love helping people and even if someone comes in and just wants a blether to help their mental health or somewhere warm to sit, then they can do that as well.”

The initiative, at the salon on Station Road, has already been a success in her eyes - she said when speaking to the Times on Thursday - as two gentleman and a young girl have been in for a haircut, and social workers have also been in touch with the salon, leading to more people set to stop by.

There is no need for an appointment and anyone interested can sit and wait in the “cosy” salon with a hot drink if there is a wait to be taken.

“I wanted to help and I thought this would be a way in which we could do that,” Clare said.

“At this time of year, everyone deserves a treat and something to look forward to.

“There’s no judgement here, either. I love my job, and I love helping people and sometimes being a shoulder to cry on, too - and you hear everything as a hairdresser, so no-one will be judged. Nobody has a right to judge anyone.

“I know people who have been clients and in a similar position, and they have made it through that to better times.”

Clare added that she would be placing posters in the local area to let people know of what is on offer at the salon which she has run for two years.

"We will be hoping to put a smile on many faces and boost their mental health knowing there is someone that actually cares and happy to listen," she said.

Raising awareness of the initiative online, Clare posted on Facebook: “Revive would like to welcome any homeless person into the salon from now until Christmas for a cut, shampoo and a hot drink on us. No need for appointments just pop by.

“If you know anyone with no access to hot water facilities, send them our way and we will be happy to help!

“Everyone deserves a treat at Christmas.”