A CANVEY man has proved why he’s a cut above the rest after serving as a barber for 40 years.

Phil Moss, of Point Road, Canvey, who turned 66 last week, is celebrating being in businesses for over four decades, cutting hair for families on the island for generations.

Despite being one of the longest serving hairdressers on Canvey, the enthusiastic barber insists he has no intention of slowing down.

Echo:

Mr Moss, who opened Phil’s Gents Hairdressers in High Street in 1973, said: “Once you work for yourself it is difficult to stop, to be honest. If you go on long enough it becomes part of who you are, especially in this line of work.

“There are so many people on the island where I might not know their last name but Icould tell you what car they drive, where they go on holiday, how many children they have, it’s strange.

“I come from the time of the mods and rockers so the hair styles have really changed. Now it’s all short haircuts, not quite as interesting, but these trends do tend to come round in circles.”

Mr Moss originates from Southend, and moved to the island in 1974 following the successful launch of his business.

Echo:

He said: “I can’t go anywhere now without someone knowing who I am because it’s such a close-knit community on Canvey.

Since moving here it really has become home, and I feel fortunate to have so many people to speak to every day.

“I cannot see myself slowing down, but you never know what’s around the corner.”