A village's hairdressers has breathed a sigh of relief after being able to reopen its doors following the most recent lockdown.

Dereham Times: Chloe Cumbers and Ali Howard in Inspire Unisex Hair and DesignChloe Cumbers and Ali Howard in Inspire Unisex Hair and Design (Image: Sophie Jean Photography)

Ali Howard, 29, from Swanton Morley and Chloe Cumbers, 29, from Dereham, set up Inspire Unisex hair and Design in Beetley nine years ago.

The shop now rents chairs out to upcoming stylists and has been affected massively by the last year of coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions.

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Miss Howard, who took a part-time job at Tesco during the first lockdown to keep herself busy, said how challenging it was to keep up with the constant ups and downs surrounding if and when they could reopen to the public.

"It has been a disconcerting time for us and all small businesses with overheads to pay and no constant source of income," she said.

Dereham Times: Melissa Prince, Chloe Cumbers, and Ali Howard outside Inspire Unisex Hair Design in BeetleyMelissa Prince, Chloe Cumbers, and Ali Howard outside Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley (Image: Sophie Jean Photography)

"It has been a worrying time and we are so relieved to be able to take a step towards normality."

Miss Howard said the most recent lockdown, which lasted four months, was the most difficult for the duo's business and there were points where they were worried for the shop's future.

She said: "You would just look at the business account balance and see it going down, it was really worrying and at one point I did think we wouldn't be able to last much longer.

Dereham Times: Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley ahead of reopening on April 12Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley ahead of reopening on April 12 (Image: Sophie Jean Photography)

"We were so thrilled when we heard the news we would be able to see our customers again on April 12. We're now booked up until May!"

To keep up with demand the hairdressers have been working extended hours to accommodate their loyal customers and and thank them for their paitence.

Dereham Times: Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley ahead of reopening on April 12Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley ahead of reopening on April 12 (Image: Sophie Jean Photography)

After re-opening on April 12, Miss Howard said the phoneline was ringing "non-stop".

"It was exciting but tiring but we made it through, and now we will power through this week ahead," she said.

Dereham Times: Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley ahead of reopening on April 12Inspire Unisex Hair Design in Beetley ahead of reopening on April 12 (Image: Sophie Jean Photography)

"We just want to say a massive thank you to all of our loyal customers for helping us during lockdown."