TWO of York's most well known independent business owners are retiring after 40 years running a hair salon in the city.

Regional, national and international award winning stylists Glen Jackson and Julio Garcia will close their salon Glen and Julio's, in Bishopthorpe Road, on May 9.

The duo opened the business in 1975, and went on to train dozens of hairdressers and style thousands of clients, including generations of local families.

Training as a hair stylist with Nancy Lockwood in York from the age of 16, Mr Jackson opened his first business Glen's in Acomb's Hamilton Drive in the 1960's.

After landing a job as artistic director for an international hair company, Mr Jackson met Spanish-born Mr Garcia, trained him in the art of hair styling, and brought him back to the UK to open their venture in a former Butcher's Shop and adjoining house in Bishopthorpe Road.

Mr Jackson said: "We love the property. It had been empty for a long time, and was derelict. We spent a lot of time and money putting the character back into it.

"The salon has now become quite an institution.

"I cannot begin to think how many hairdressers we've trained here over the years, but many are now running their own successful businesses, which makes me very proud."

Together Mr Jackson and Mr Garcia, who were both presidents of the York and Yorkshire Hairdressers Federation, represented Great Britain in the World and European hairdressing championships, winning gold medals in Holland, Germany, Italy and London, as well being named British, Scottish and Welsh champions.

The coiffeurs styled wigs for the former York Waxworks Museum in Friargate, and even appeared in a feature film, when after being employed as technical advisers on the set of Never Better, they impressed the producer so much they were offered minor roles.

Mr Jackson said: "We travelled all over the world, competing and judging competitions as well.

"We have had a very happy and successful salon, with most of the staff we have employed staying with us for at least ten years.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to all our dedicated clients for their support; we love you all and will miss you.

"We just feel like now is the right time, and we are looking forward to our retirement."

Mr Jackson and Mr Garcia also paid thanks to York-based surveyors Barry Crux, which handled the marketing and sale of their building.