HOMELESS people received free haircuts from a generous hairdresser last Friday.

Georgia Elliott from Barber Blades in the Studley Grange Craft Village briefly set up shop in Wilson's Hair Studio in Old Town to give rough sleepers a stylish new look.

Her mum Linda Gibbons and friend Hayley Whatton also helped wash, dry, shave and cut their hair while Georgia and Hayley's daughters served food and hot drinks to the grateful guests.

Georgia said: "It gave them an opportunity to get off the street for a few hours on a cold night, have something to eat and drink and get warm, it was a little pick-me-up.

"Haircuts can make you feel fresh and more confident, it was really rewarding to see them walk out with their spirits lifted and their heads held high.

"Too many people look down their noses at them but they're human beings and I wished that companies did more to help them in some way."

Georgia made a post on facebook about her desire to organise some free haircuts for the homeless and Louise Morecombe of the Swindon Homeless Volunteers group, which Louise co-founded with Charmain Conde and Emma Francombe, was made aware of the post.

Georgia made leaflets which Louise then distributed to the homeless people she visits regularly around the town.

Then Georgia asked Paul Cole, the owner of Wilson's Hair Studio, if she could use the studio after hours as it was in a more central and easily-accessible location than her own hair salon and he was happy to help.

Louise said: "It went amazingly well, I gave out leaflets to everyone I knew.

"I met them all as they came into Wilson's so they'd see a familiar face, they gave me a hug and were so happy.

"I'm so glad that I was invited to be there and be part of it."

Georgia added: "Louise was quite taken aback when we offered to do this.

"It was a team effort and it was a good laugh.

"We will try to do it every year around Christmas."