A FORMER cruise-ship barber has created a nautical-themed nod to his 55-year career with the refurbishment of his barbers’ shop.

Tony Winder, runs Bosun’s Barbers above his other hairdressing business, Antony and Patricia, in Bank Street, Rawtenstall.

Tony who will celebrate his 70th on February 7, has sourced vintage materials and fixtures to furnish the space as a traditional 1920s-style barbershop.

Even though many people of his age would already be retired Tony said he continues because ‘I love cutting hair and I love meeting customers’.

The list of famous faces who have been his clients include Coronation Street star Bill Roache who used to live in the area, 60s pop star Billy J Kramer, several Burnley and Blackburn Rovers footballers and comedian Ted Robbins.

The shop reflects Tony’s history from when he first went to sea in 1969 as a cruise ship’s barber.

Initially he served on the SS Southern Cross then SS Oriana when he circumnavigated the globe several times.

Three ship’s windows have been converted into mirrors, barber’s clippers have become coat hooks and every pair of scissors he has used in his trade hang from a display board.

“I was 22 and decided to go to sea because I wanted to see the world.

“I had never been abroad; it wasn’t an option for a family like mine.

“I applied to Steiners, a big London-based company, who held the concession for cruise ships “In the Merchant Navy I sailed on the SS Southern Cross and although you didn’t need to have a passport, I did and the first stamp inside is from when I berthed in Trinidad and Tobago on February 27 1969.

“I sailed through the Panama Canal, got to be in Tonga on Independence Day, we visited New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and all over the South Pacific.

During leave time Tony also spent two seasons as camp barber at Butlins in Filey and Minehead.

He jumped ship for good 47 years ago when he opened the first salon on Newchurch Road with his former wife Patricia.

Among memorabilia in the shop are restored 1930s barber chairs. Tony , a former county councillor for Rossendale, is holding an official opening for clients and friends at Bosun’s Barbers on Sunday, February 26 from 4pm until 7pm.