A BARBER is offering free hair cuts to men aiming to return to work.

Emma-Lea Stone, who owns Just Barbering in Norton, came up with the idea to give something back to the community.

She said: “ I opened the business on the June 1 after having some time out to look after my little boy.

“He has now started school and I wanted to get my teeth into something for my self and the opportunity came up to take over the barber shop so I took it and have not looked back. I absolutely love it.”

Emma added: “I wanted to offer something to my local community that I thought might help to get people back into work.

“A bit of added confidence with a fresh new cut to help them in an interview.”

Emma said there were a number of conditions to the free haircut including having an interview confirmed and be in receipt of job seekers allowance.

“ I wanted to do something in return for people making me feel welcome as a new business owner,” she added.

“ I have had a lot of support from my clients new and existing.”

Emma is being supported by Cllr Nathan Garbutt Moore , a member of Ryedale District Council

He said: “When Emma ran her idea by me I thought it was fantastic. “Having previously worked with the unemployed on the Government’s health and work programme. I know this will make a big difference.”

Cllr Garbutt Moore said: “Unemployment is at an all time low however there are still people who are eager to return to work, getting a haircut before dreaded interviews will not only be a confidence boost but it will be a relief for many not having to worry about the cost.”

For more information go to Just Barbering on Facebook.