A HAIRDRESSER has run a pop-up salon for charity in a York bar - and is planning another one in a city centre clothes store next month.

Jody Toner, who is art director at Westrow hairdressers in Swinegate, decided to set up a salon yesterday within an upstairs room at Dusk bar in New Street to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Care.

He was prompted to organise the event after his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last July and his girlfriend, Verity Hurd’s, mother was diagnosed with the same illness earlier this year. Verity helped organise the event.

Mr Toner, who has been a hairdresser for 11 years, said: “I just wanted to do whatever I could to help, and decided to use what I know to raise the money. It’s quite a niche idea, as the people who donate get something in return. I'm just hoping that people will donate what they can, any amount is greatly appreciated.”

He added: “This provides a service as well as helping two charities close to my heart.”

Mr Toner, 32, who has been a regional finalist for the L’Oreal Colour Trophy four times, is often involved with London Fashion Week and attends Salon International, an annual three-day hairdressing event in held in London.

He said Sexyhair, a hair product brand, sponsored yesterday's event, providing all the products he used. “It was great that they could provide all of this, as I have been able to style the donors’ hair as if they were in the salon.”

Another salon will be staged on Sunday, August 23, at Topshop in the Coppergate Shopping Centre. Appointments can be booked on Mr Toner's Facebook page, Toner & Co Pop-up Salon, or by emailing MrToner directly at jodytoner@hotmail.co.uk. His donation page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/tonerandco/