A GOOD samaritan barber is getting into the spirit of Christmas by collecting clothes for the homeless.

Lee Nightingale, who runs Headlinez barber shop on St George's Road, is asking his customers to bring in any clothes they do not need.

He was inspired to start the collection after speaking to his girlfriend and he's already gained the support of a fellow local business.

Mr Nightingale said:"At Christmas time, obviously people like getting new clothes and stuff so everyone's guilty of having old clothes.

"My girlfriend gave me an idea of collecting clothes for the homeless so I did a post on Instagram, shared it.

"A family friend has also got a business in town - Odessa, the cafe gave us some clothes and customers have been bringing bits and bobs as well.

"I've got some stuff to give as well and yeah, it's just nice to give something to those who don't have stuff at Christmas."

The barber also in talks with Odessa about providing warm drinks and soup with the homeless one day in the near future and he's suggested he will provide free hair cuts to the homeless in the run up to Christmas.

He added: "We need to speak to Odessa to see if we can do that and if we can it'll be nice to do on a Sunday or something.

"I want to make sure it's going to the right people rather than somebody who doesn't appreciate it.

"If they come down and we have spare time I'd be happy to sort them out with free haircuts as well."

Lee Nightingale will be collecting old clothes at Headlinez barber shop until Saturday December 22.