A BRADFORD salon owner has thanked his loyal customers as he marks a big business milestone.

Stuart McDonald is today celebrating 30 years since he bought DaVinci Hairdressing in Wibsey.

He said the last three decades have been fun as over the years, he has welcomed generations of customers who have travelled to be pampered at his High Street salon.

Mr McDonald also looked back at the staff members he has worked with and helped train over the years, but also remembered the salon’s popular four-legged mascot.

A golden cocker spaniel, affectionately known as ‘Bruno Furry Trousers’ kept customers and staff company at the salon between 2004 and 2016 and would often earn tips and treats.

The popular salon also had the advertising slogan ‘DaVinci..everyone knows someone who goes’.

The salon will mark the special milestone with a host of sweet treats on offer for its customers in the salon.

Mr McDonald, 53, said he still enjoys running the salon and even has customers from as far away as Nottingham booking appointments at DaVinci.

Reflecting on 30 years and counting in business, he said: “It’s been great fun. People come to the salon from far and wide. I’ve built relationships with these people. Customers have been coming for so long that they become family. If somebody comes to have their hair done once a week, it might be more than they see their family members. It has been a fun 30 years. Every day is different.”

During his career, Mr McDonald has also appeared on national television. In the mid-2000s, he narrowly missed out on the top prize after making it to the final two of Channel 4 programme ‘The Salon’.

As part of his challenge, he went to a top salon in London’s Soho and completely restyled a stranger off the street.

Speaking about his salon, Mr McDonald said: “It needs to be an enjoyable experience and relaxing for people.

“It’s all about the customers. I would not be anything without them. I was 23 when I bought it. I worked for a salon down the road before I bought DaVinci. Everything has advanced so quickly since then…technology, products, all the new techniques and skills.”

DaVinci Hairdressing is open Wednesdays between 9am and 2pm; Thursdays 9am to 8pm; Friday from 9am to 7.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm. The salon is closed every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.