AN internationally-renowned barber is opening a new salon and expanding his training school as he looks to the future beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

Joseph Lanzante, 55, is set to expand his cutting empire in the region with a new shop in Whalley, while at the same time opening a bigger and better training school in Lowerhouse.

The Mens Room, Whalley, will join The Mens Room, Clitheroe, in Mr Lanzante’s barber shop portfolio, while the world class training academy in Lowerhouse will replace the present facility in Clayton-le-Moors.

The salon will be open for extended hours seven days a week from July 4, with the training facility offering training in barbering, hairdressing and micropigmentation aiming to open on the same date.

Mr Lanzante said: “Whalley is a thriving community at the heart of the Ribble Valley which continues to attract innovative small businesses every year.

“The streets, cafes and shops are full of friendly faces so I’m excited to open our new location when it is safe for people to return to normality.”

Renovations in the new barbershop in George Street, are now complete, with vintage barbering chairs reupholstered by local tradesmen in imitation snakeskin fabric.

Mr Lanzante said all tradesman who worked on the barbers shop were from the Ribble Valley, with materials also sourced from East Lancashire businesses.

The reception room has seating for up to 12 customers, allowing for comfortable social distancing when business resumes.

Mr Lanzante, who is also preparing to do live shows in Birmingham, Glasgow, Bolivia and Hong Kong, is advertising for experienced or aspiring barbers who are willing to go through his rigorous training process to work in his Whalley and Clitheroe stores.

Once open, The Mens Room, Whalley, will offer a range of barbering services, including a cut throat shave, which Mr Lanzante believes is an important aspect of the industry.