High profile models, actors and actresses could soon be fleeing the big city to come to Benfleet - just to have their hair cut!

Mark Smith, who used to work as Lee Stafford's artistic director in Soho, is setting up his own salon and hopes many of his former customers will follow him.

New venture - Mark Smith watches his new salon taking shape Picture: ROB BROWNE

He promises the new salon, Smith and Taylor in Benfleet's High Road, will provide every luxury a pampering-fanatic could wish for.

Mark, who has trimmed the heads of stars such as Neil Morrissey and Fern Britton as well as the cast of Hollyoaks, decided to make the move out of London after his partner Tracy had a baby.

Both Mark and business partner John Taylor felt Benfleet was lacking in salons. The duo hope to start stylising the crops of their first clients on February 4.

Published Wednesday, January 22, 2003

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