FORTY years of being in business was marked with a special presentation by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane for a Basingstoke hair salon.

On Friday Councillor Anne Court popped into Edward James Cutting Rooms, in Winchester Street, just by Joice’s Yard, to congratulate owner Jim Welling.

Cllr Court said: “On behalf of the council I would like to thank you for your support over the years and your kind generosity.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to have been here in the Top of The Town for 40 years.

“To have carried on for all these years just shows what a successful business Edwards James Cutting Rooms is.”

Jim was 25-years-old when he opened the business, which today employs five full-time staff.

It was a big step for Jim, having previously he worked at another Top of The Top Town salon called The Sauna Centre, that was in Winton Square Basingstoke born and bred, Jim, who is modest about the success of his unisex salon, said: “I suppose it’s down to being a local person and the fact that we have always tried to accommodate all age groups.

“Also, I’ve always built on recommendation rather than gimmicks.

“Recommendation is always the best thing.”

Surprised with the Mayor’s visit, Jim, who is a member of the Top of The Town Traders Association, and is president of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS), said: “It’s been a great honour and a nice thought that this has been arranged.”

Among friends attending the presentation was former primary school inspector and headteacher of Manor Field Infant School, Kate Webb, from Wallis Road.

Having been a client since the business opened in 1975, she said: “Jim listens to what you want and then he puts his own style into it and makes the hairdo special for you.”