Swindon barber offers free haircuts for school prom season

A barber is offering free haircuts to teenagers in need of a fresh trim for their prom.

Reign Barbers in Swindon came up with the idea after hearing parents and carers mention their financial worries.

Owner Jack Wilkinson said: "I knew from my mum when it came to my prom it was a big struggle for her."

He posted the offer on social media and received a really positive response from the community. He has now given six free haircuts with more on the way.

Mr Wilkinson told BBC Radio Wiltshire that a number of customers had mentioned the stress and pressure on their finances in the lead-up to prom season and he wanted to do his bit to help.

"I've had it drilled into me to from a young age to always try and help those who need a bit of help and do what you can to rally round," he said.

Mr Wilkinson said anyone feeling embarrassed or worried about asking for a free haircut could send him a private message.

"Drop me a message, no one will see it and just tell us you need a free haircut.

"The response has been amazing, members of the community in Toothill and Swindon dropping me messages and saying thanks and it means a lot to us," he added.

The grandmother of one client to receive a free haircut said she was "so grateful" to Mr Wilkinson.

"When I began looking at the price of everything to do with prom I instantly panicked on how I would be able to afford it all, especially with the current cost of living.

"But when I saw the offer Jack was running it was one less thing for me to worry about and am so so grateful to him for providing the free haircut," she added.

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