A BARBER is taking an unusual approach to get her own business off the ground- inside a gym.

Gill Elliott, from Witham, used to work at Goodfella's barbers, but decided she wanted to go on her own venture.

Thinking shop rental in the town was too high, she decided to contact an old friend who owns a gym there.

She and David Stead, owner of DS Fitness, have now agreed to collaborate to run a gym and barbers at the same time.

Mrs Elliott, 31, from Palm Close, said: "Dave loved the idea of having it in there- we are aiming for men in the town to be able to do two things at once. "They can kill two birds with one stone as we get lots of people using the gym during their lunch break at work."

Mrs Elliott and her husband Chris have known Mr Stead for a while and understood he had some suitable rooms within the gym to use.

She has been hairdressing for 15 years but felt it was time to go independent.

She said: "I ended up being a PA and just wanted to go back to cutting hair as that's what I really enjoy.

"Everyone is loving it, they think it's a really good idea- even ones that don't use the gym think it's a nice space to have it in."

Work is almost finished on the barbers and it will open inside the gym in Newland Street on August 11.

There is even a red, white and black theme to coincide with the gym's colour scheme.

Men, women and children will be able to get their hair cut.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/Gillsbarbers/