WHEN it comes to keeping his short back and sides in trim, one pensioner knows how to keep it in the family.

Loyal Wilf Gatfield, aged 86, has been visiting the same family to get his hair cut for 70 years. Current owner Maurice Foster, along with his father and grandfather, have all got to grips with Wilf's barnet.

The Farnworth pensioner said: "They have always done a good job and the conversation is always lively. I've had this haircut since I was 16.

"The only time it grew any longer was when I was a prisoner of war in Germany and Italy!"

Wilf visited Foster's salon on Plodder Lane for his usual snip to celebrate the shop's tenth anniversary. But, instead of taking his usual taxi, he was picked up by Maurice and chauffeur-driven to the shop. Wilf was presented with a commemmorative set of cufflinks, a watch and a tie. The pensioner suffers from incurable lung cancer, but Maurice has promised to cut Wilf's hair at his home once he can no longer visit the shop.

Maurice said: "Since 1886, 57 members of my family have taken up hairdressing. It's in our blood."

Is this a record? Do you know of another loyal customer? Call Newsdesk on 01204 537259 or email bennewsdesk@boltoneveningnews.co.uk