WINSTON Crandon will not been re-opening his barber’s shop in North Street, Wellington, because he has been diagnosed with a serious illness.

Winston, who has always enjoyed plenty of banter with his customers, says he has motor neurone disease and will regrettably not be returning to work next week.

The 73-year-old said::: “I have struggled with my health for quite a few months. I want to spend what time I have left with my lovely wife Linda and our dog Coco.”

Winston has been ‘sarcastically snipping’ at 1 North Street for 31 years and ‘did not want to finish this way’.

He added: “However, the shop will not close as a lovely lady traditional barber will be taking the reins as from April 21. The contact telephone number will remain the same and she will initially work on appointments. Please support her as you have supported me. You can make an appointment by ringing 07784 978767.”

Winston would like to thank all of his ‘victims’ and families who, over the last ten years, have helped raise in the region of £15,000 for the charity he supports – Children’s Hospice South West.

Finally, he would like to thank all of his customers for their support and their friendships over the last 31 years.

“I will miss you all, not to mention the abuse and banter,” he said.