The Lord Mayor of Bradford had a close shave when he visited an award-winning Baildon business.

But Councillor Dale Smith was in safe handsat The Gents Quarter Barbershop – the firm has accreditation from the British Barbers’ Association and was also crowned Movember Barber of the Year 2012.

The Gents Quarter was one of the first shops to earn the British Barbers’ Association accreditation which recognises professional qualifications, experience and standards of excellence.

The Movember Barber of the Year 2012 award was given to the shop for its work to raise £2,090 for Movember – when November is dedicated to raising awareness of male cancer charities.

Founder of the Association Graham Satchwell said: “Gents Quarter is known for its high professional standards. ”

Claire Chambers, who owns the shop with fiancee and barber Olly Giffen, said the industry was seeing a resurgence.

She said: “I think male grooming is bigger than ever.”

Coun Smith spent two hours in the Westgate salon when he was treated to a traditional hot shave, hair cut and blow dry.

Afterwards he said: “I don’t know if I look like a new man, but I feel like one. I’ve really been pampered.

“There’s a lot to be said for a genuine barber’s chair and the skill of the man waving a cut throat razor is very reassuring.”