WHEN Joe Cain began his career as a barber, Edward VIII was still on the throne, Neville Chamberlain was Prime Minister, and a haircut cost just six old pennies - or 2p.

And when Bolton's oldest barber hung up his scissors this week at the grand age of 80, he declared: "I didn't really want to retire."

Mr Cain has been the sole proprietor of J Cain Barbers, which adjoins his house on Chorley Street for an astonishing 56 years, in which time he has seen the country governed by no less than 13 Prime Ministers.

Bolton-born Mr Cain began his career as a barber at the age of 14, starting as an apprentice in 1937.

Two years later he joined the Royal Air Force and served through the Second World War, also managing to keep up his trade as a barber.

Then in January 1947, Mr Cain opened his small business on the outskirts of the town centre which would see him cut the hair of thousands of the town's gents.

"I certainly wouldn't like to count them but I have definitely had a lot of customers."

He decided to put down his scissors after recently becoming ill with flu, but still has his mind on his customers.

Mr Cain, who lives on Chorley Street with his wife Irene, aged 83, said: "I would have liked to give them a bit more of a warning so I could thank them.

"I didn't really want to stop, but knew I would have to at some time. But when you have done it since the age of 14, you end up on automatic pilot."

Mr Cain has built up a steady stream of regular clients over the years, some of whom have been going to the shop almost as long as he has.

He said; "I have one or two chaps my own age and one in particular has not had his hair cut anywhere else since 1948. I have others that have been coming to me for 40 or 50 years. I'll miss them all."

When he began, Mr Cain charged his customers just six old pennies for a haircut, which he says would have also bought fish and chips twice or a night out at the cinema and a bar of chocolate at the time.

Since becoming part-time 15 years ago, Mr Cain says he has operated the business "more as a service to pensioners," charging just £2.50 for a cut, or £3.50 for younger customers. He admits that over the years, he has seen a lot of hairstyles come and go.

The secret of his long career lies in doing a job he loves. He said: "I would have retired at the first chance if I hadn't enjoyed it.

"I have had a lot of customers and consider them all friends. I really will miss it."