A legendary Marlow barber celebrated 50 years of haircuts at his beloved shop this week, with one famous customer hailing the “legend, master perfectionist and kind soul”.

When Richard Silver set up shop on Station Road on May 16, 1966 with his father – after a two year stint on the High Street - he had no idea the business would still be thriving five decades later.

On the momentous anniversary the 69-year-old recalled some bizarre tales from his longstanding career including a draft - board themed haircut and a drive through customer who remained behind the wheel of his car while Mr Silver worked his magic.

The born and bred Marlow resident - who has manned the shop by himself since the early 70's - has welcomed a number of famous faces through his doors over the years including regular customer Tom Chambers who’s dubbed his haircuts as the best in the “town, century and world.”

Mr Silver said: “Tom Chambers came in and he was more excited about the 50th birthday than I was.

“I would never have thought I would still be here 50 years later. I couldn’t even think that far ahead.

“I can’t afford to retire but I enjoy what I do and I’m always attracting new customers. Everyone comes in looking a bit rough and leaving looking better so I know I’ve done my job right.”

While the town itself has changed over the decades, Mr Silver said the residents have usually remained civilised with their haircut choices, despite the odd mohican.

He said: “It’s a civilised town. If someone new comes in to Marlow and they ask what it is like I say to them 'if someone was going to get mugged, the mugger would ask if it is okay to then thank them when they’ve done it.

And commenting on how the town has changed, he said: “The older person can’t buy anything for day to day living. You can’t just walk up the street and buy a pair of pants.

“We are loaded down with coffee shops and restaurants. Someone told me there are 56 places to get something to eat in Marlow and now another coffee shop is about to open.”

After giving up drinking years ago, Mr Silver said he would not be throwing a party to celebrate, but the shop was decorated in balloons to mark the occasion.

And actor Tom Chambers took the chance to praise Mr Silver, saying: “My son had his first ever hair cut with Richard the Barber as we call him, aged just one, and we have both been going ever since.

“He might at first give the impression of being a famous character out of a Charles Dickens novel, he still uses a razor blade to finish the perfect cut, but he is a total gent himself, a legend, a master, a perfectionist and a kind soul.

“We joked whether he might also be the longest standing member of staff in Marlow. Can anyone dedicate themselves to 50 years’ service these days?”

Despite initially wanting to be a train driver, Mr Silver says he has his father to thank for pushing him in to the trade, and also took the chance to thank the people of Marlow for their support.