ONE of Lancashire’s longest serving barbers is retiring today to begin a new career as a dog psychologist.

David Gilman, 62, who runs a barbers’ shop in Pall Mall, Chorley, is hanging up his scissors after 45 years of cutting hair.

Affectionately known as ‘Slasher’ Gilman to generations of schoolboys, David is handing over the business to his daughters, Joanne and Andrea.

And he will be embarking on a new venture called the Skool 4 ScHoundrels Dog Behaviour Centre, inspired by his exper-ience with training his Border Collie Meg.

The seven-year-old dog had behaviour problems when he acquired her three years ago and needed lots of time and attention to become a happy family pet.

As a result he took a course at the Canine Behaviour Centre in Cumbria and on completion was named as their most outstanding student.

David now hopes to share his expertise on training, toileting, aggression and the selection of dogs, with other pet lovers across Lancashire.

He said: “After working with Meg to help understand and overcome her problems I developed a keen interest in the subject and found out about the course in dog psychology.

“I found it interesting and it has been a fantastic opportunity to change my career.

“I think it will be the perfect thing for me after leaving the shop as I can work the hours that suit me.”

David, who lives in Coppull Road, Chorley, with wife, Paul-ine, began cutting hair alongside his father Jack, who also had the Slasher nickname, in 1965.

He said: “Long hair was in fashion then, but not very popular with the older gener-ation, who had their hair cut like the young lads today, short back and sides and Brylcreem.

“I worked with my dad until 1974 when I opened this shop.

“During the years I’ve had incredibly loyal customers and have seen lads come in as children who have then brought in their sons and even grandsons.

“But I feel the time is right for me to pursue different things.

“I wish my daughters the best of luck with this shop and hope they enjoy themselves as much as I have.”

More about David’s behaviour centre can be found at www.skool4schoundels.co.uk.