TRIBUTES have been paid to a fun-loving and flamboyant Nelson hairdresser who has lost a short battle with cancer.

Godfrey Eyre ran his barber shop in Stanley Street for more than 50 years but died aged 67.

The oldest of six boys, Godfrey was born and raised in Nelson and after leaving Walverden Secondary Modern School in 1961, he began his apprenticeship at Harold Almond’s barber’s in Market Square.

By 1974, he had opened Godfrey’s Barber’s in Stanley Street and the business thrived. Godfrey’s cutting skills were the main draw, but customers returned because of the man himself.

Godfrey’s younger brother, Jonathan said: “He was a real character and so knowledgeable. When his customers went in, they got a history lesson and he’d entertain everybody.

“There have been flowers left outside of the shop and there’s been a real buzz on social media with everyone talking about him and sharing their funny stories about him.

“It’s amazing how many people’s lives he touched. Every man and his dog in Nelson had their hair cut by my brother and he must have been the longest-serving barber in the area. We’ve shut the shop up now and that little piece of history is gone.”

Godfrey married Catherine, and had two children, Julie and Oliver and two stepchildren James and Samantha. He enjoyed travelling and despite his diagnosis of cancer in March, still managed to travel to Sorrento and Belgium this year.

Recalling Godfrey’s exuberant dress sense – velvet suits, kaftans and plus fours – Julie said: “He led the way in fashion. He was a true extrovert. He also loved history and was part of the local amateur operatic society.”

The funeral will take place on Monday at St Paul’s Church, at 2.30pm.