A BOLTON pensioner got more than a just a trim when he walked into his favourite barber's shop.

Harry Sladen, aged 75, of Green Lane, Great Lever, has had his hair cut at Stan Pickles' barber's shop more than 1,000 times over the last 50 years.

Little did he know that VIP treatment was awaiting him as he popped into the Manchester Road shop for his usual short back 'n' sides.

Harry got the shock of his life as he was greeted with the finest champagne and caviar as he settled into his usual chair. Then he was whisked off by chauffeur-driven "stretched" limo for a slap- up meal at the posh Copthorne Hotel in Manchester.

The surprise treat was organised by Stan as a "thank you" for his loyal custom.

Widower Harry has been faithfully getting his hair cut at Stan's shop every month since 1946.

The war veteran says he has never trusted anyone else to cut his locks and make sure he looks "ship shape and Bristol fashion". Stan says he decided to lay on the surprise treat as a reward for Harry's amazing loyalty over the past half-century.

He was joined in the celebrations by his daughter Maureen, aged 48.

The day was particularly special for Harry because it would have been his 50th wedding anniversary.

He said: "It's unbelievable. I never had any idea that this was going to happen.

"Everyone including my daughter has known about this for weeks, but managed to keep it secret.

"I've always come here to get my hair cut because I trust Stan to cut it just the way I like.

"It's all unisex hairdressers nowadays, but I like a gentleman barber's who knows what I want without having to tell them.

"And we have a right good natter, too

"There is no way I would go anywhere else, and definitely not now.

"I would just like to thank Stan and everyone involved."

Stan, aged 53, and the fifth generation of his family to be a barber, has been running the family business, Stan Pickles Barbers and Toupees, for more than 30 years.

He said: "Harry comes in, regular as clockwork, every two weeks and it's almost exactly 50 years to the day since he first walked in.

"I'm so glad he enjoyed himself. He was tickled pink.

"I've known him ever since I was a 10-year-old boy when I started working for my father 40 years ago.

"Even then Harry was a regular and well liked. I think after 50 years he deserves a medal.

"Today was the least I could do to show him how much he is appreciated round here."

After his gourmet feast Harry joked: "I'll carry on going to Stan's for the next 50 years!"

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