A POPULAR Kidderminster barber has retired and sold his shop in the town centre after it was in his family for more than 100 years.

Brian Carter joined his dad at the family barbershop in New Road at the age of 16, shortly after England won the World Cup.

The 68-year-old father-of-two, who grew up in Kidderminster but now lives in Stourport, said: "It was one of those things - I just stumbled into it because I couldn't decide what to do.

"But once I started I couldn't think of doing anything else."

The salon was first opened in Vicar Street by Brian's grandfather Reg in 1915, following a coin toss to decide whether he should pursue a career in hairdressing or shoe repairs.

The business moved to New Road in 1955 after the town centre was flooded.

Brian recalled having to cut hair by torchlight during the miners' strikes in the 1970s.

He worked at the barbershop for 52 years, taking over as owner in 1985 and renaming the salon Brian J Carter's Gent's Hairdressing.

Brian could often be seen in the summer riding his pushbike to work along the canal.

"It became more of a social club than a job," he said. "You have a laugh and a joke with the customers and know what to talk them about - whether that's holidays or their children or dogs.

"There's always a conversation. I definitely heard a few things I wouldn't want to repeat.

"I still had some regulars coming to see me that were customers when I first started in 1966."

After hanging up his clippers last month, Brian plans to move nearer to his children in Wirral with his wife Susan.

He said: "I would like to thank my customers who have supported me over many years and made it such a pleasure to come to work."