A WREXHAM barber who has been cutting hair for over half-a-century is set to retire in the coming weeks.

Henry Kupski has run the 'Henry's Gents Hairdressers' on Charles Street for the last 28 years.

But that is set to change around March time, as he will be putting his scissors and clippers away for the very last time.

The 70-year-old is a well-known figure in the Wrexham community and has kept generations of family members looking their best during his 52 years as a barber.

But, Mr Kupski has now sold the shop - which is believed to be Wrexham's oldest barbers - on to Saira Griffiths Hughes.

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Part of the reason for that came following the sudden death of a former employee who had been Mr Kupski's right hand man for the past 30 years.

Saira explained: "Henry really is a big character, once met, never forgotten!  I am buying the business off him and will continue to run it as a traditional barbershop under the Henry’s name that we all know and love."

Mr Kupski's parents were originally Polish and moved to Wrexham as refugees.

He himself began working at a hairdresser's run by a family friend at the age of 16, when he would sweep the floors.

He told the Leader that he did so while he was waiting for his medical to go through so he could join the army.

But, he quickly discovered that, having gone on to then cut hair that 'he loved it so much' that he 'never looked back'.

The Leader:

PIC: Henry's Gents Hairdressers, Wrexham.

He added: "The best part of the job has been getting to know so many people. The families and their children, who would go away to university, but would always come back to get their hair cut by me or even just to see me.

"They have all become friends down the years and have always made me feel so welcome."

Mr Kupski added that he had even had the pleasure of having a few famous faces in through the doors over the years.

He said: "I've had Mark Hughes in here, I've had Robbie Savage and I've even had plenty of Wrexham players come here too."

Asked about what he will miss the most about working upon his retirement, Mr Kupski added: "I will miss talking with so many great people all day. Time goes so quickly.

"I've used the strengths I have to the best I can down the years and I know that I'm leaving the salon in very capable hands. I have six employees here who look to be staying on."

Mr Kupski added that he was now looking forward to spending time with his family, including his grandchildren, and also enjoying some of his hobbies which include walking, fishing and shooting.

He also plans to buy an electric bike so that he can ride down the lanes of Penley, where he grew up.

In the meantime, Henry's Gents Hairdressers itself will remain open throughout the time of the business being handed over to its new owner and new and old customers are welcome to pop in.