A young barber has found success at his new town centre shop and is even cutting the hair of professional footballers.

Liam Ruck, from Swindon, opened Trapped Barbershop in Chippenham's Emery Gate shopping centre in January, and has quickly won over locals.

The 20-year-old said: “I am proud because people never guess how young I am so it’s a good start to have a business already and it can only get better.

“The first few weeks were quiet but it’s definitely improving now and people are coming back, so I’ve got return customers on top of my new customers.

“It’s definitely a good sign I’ve got return customers… if I didn’t have them by now there’d be a problem. If things continue to go this well, I’ll be looking to hire another barber soon.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Trapped Barbershop in Emery Gate.Trapped Barbershop in Emery Gate. (Image: Newsquest)

He has already attracted footballers like Reading forward Jahmari Clarke, who is currently on loan at Forest Green Rovers, to the store.

Mr Ruck began cutting hair after lockdown and worked in barbershops in Bristol and Swindon before deciding he wanted to take the leap into self-employment.

“It’s exciting because I can do what I want with the place”, he said.

“It feels so good and it’s way better because working in other shops I had so many ideas, but it wasn’t my place to change things, but here I can do whatever I want.”

As well as cutting the hair of professional footballers, Mr Ruck has also used his skills to help out in the community.

He added: “As well as my customers, I do quite a bit of charity work with rough sleepers and offer free haircuts and someone to talk to.”

While he says Emery Gate is an ideal location for his new business, he is also hoping to keep expanding, and plans open other branches in the future.

Mr Ruck said: “Once I get Trapped up and running I’m hoping to open other branches.

“I want to open up a couple more shops, maybe in Bristol. I like this location. With the carpark and the shopping centre, it is good.

“There are a lot of barbershops in Chippenham so there’s a lot of competition but I’m not too worried.”

Trapped Barbershop is open for walk-ins but those wishing to make an appointment can do so on their Facebook page.

Mr Ruck is currently offering customers a free drink with every visit.