MEN browsing Skipton market now have an excuse to beg a rest and watch the world go round - by plonking themselves in the latest in hair cutting establishments.

For 33-year-old barber Mat Tancock from Barnoldswick and his assistant Vicky Bateman, 20, who lives in Sutton, have arrived on the setts with a pop-up barber.

Mat's tented shop is located half way up High Street opposite The Rowan Tree, where he and Vicky will be cutting hair until Easter time when it will operate as Comb and Cutter from a new permanent location in Skipton from Monday, April 17.

"This pop-up is just a temporary measure. We have a lot of regulars at the old place and I wanted to keep our face on the street," said Mat.

"And I didn't want to be kicking my heals till I start at Easter so thought a pop-up barber might work. I can seen some men seeing it as a bit of a novelty.

"Until then on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays we'll be doing men's hair cuts and beard trims. Women who want their hair short are welcome of course - that's cool," said Mat, who has also cut hair in Greece and Canada.

And things went well on his first three days last week despite slow going on a wind-swept and freezing cold Wednesday.

"Friday and Saturday were really good. If we can carry on like this we'll be OK," said Mat.

And he got the thumbs up from one of his first customers, Adam Taylor, who lives in Bradley. "Great idea I think. Good luck to Mat," said Adam.

Dave Parker, Skipton Town Council's chief officer, said: “We’re always open to new ideas on the market – and we’ve been happy to try and help Mat continue to trade while his new shop is ready.

"There are some interesting challenges in doing this safely but Mat has been working closely with us and we hope it works for him.”