For the last 50 years, hairdresser Edward Bolton has been sculpting the barnets of residents in a Suffolk town, making himself a familiar face.

However, at the grand age of 79, he has decided to bow out as boss of Just Hair in Woodbridge and will be taking a backward seat in the business as he hands over the scissors to Hazel Atherton, a former employee at the salon.

Hazel took on the responsibility for the Market Hill business on Tuesday (November 5) although Mr Bolton will continue to work there cutting clients' hair.

She will be renaming the business The Cutting Co.

READ MORE: New hair salon C S Advanced Hair opens in Woodbridge Suffolk

Explaining his reason for taking a step back, he said: "I can't run the business anymore because it is all digital now and all on the computer. 

"As soon as you go into computers, I feel like I have lost control. It is just the technology of today."

Hazel Atherton worked with Mr Bolton seven years agoHazel Atherton worked with Mr Bolton seven years ago (Image: Lucy Taylor) He said he did not have much support to run the business, other than having an accountant and solicitor and struggled to run the salon on his own.

READ MORE: Woodbridge hairdresser Edward Bolton is still cutting it – five decades on

In addition, he had to travel from the Suffolk/Norfolk border to work.

Although he has been based at the salon for 50 years, he actually started in hairdressing in the 1960s and has been carrying on ever since, now working three days a week.

He was running his own salon at Diss aged 21 despite struggling with dyslexia, which meant he was unable to read or write until he was 10 and left school at 15.

He said: "In another year's time, I will be 80 and I am still practising hairdressing, still doing three days a week.

READ MORE: 'Dream come true': Excitement as new salon opens in Woodbridge

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

"I have been doing hairdressing for 60 years and I am still working at it."

Mr Bolton said Hazel had worked for him seven years ago and was pleased to hand over control to her.

"It is a lovely conclusion to 50 years. It is a beautiful salon that I renovated 50 years ago. It is a beautiful place. It is God's gift," he added.