The couple moved to the town from London with their two young children in 1975, when Alan got a job in Nevera's, in Bridge Street, in 1975.

The following year, they set up their own salon - Alan Unisex hair fashion - in Norwich Street.

By 1985, they were back in Bridge Street, but soon outgrew a salon there. So in 1988, they bought the former stables opposite The Bull, where they spent almost 30 years before retiring a few weeks back.

'It's a pleasure to have attended the people of Fakenham and surrounding villages for the last 40 years,' said Alan. 'We'd like to thank all our clients for their loyalty and friendship.

Alan, now 68, decided on a career in hairdressing after his dad, who worked as a metal spinner in a factory, told him not to follow in his footsteps. He trained at a salon in Hampstead, where he cut hair for a young Dame Judy Dench and shampooed the Beverley Sisters.

He said he plans to devote more time to fishing, country pursuits and spending time with family. The latter may well entail a trip or two to New Zealand, where son Byron, who became a hairdresser, now runs a salon. Daughter Amanda and her family still live in Fakenham.