A new barber has opened in town, offering haircuts and a place to talk.

Mac 3 Barbers can be found in Dorchester's High East Street and is the dream of Blade Mckechnie after he took the plunge to open his own business during lockdown after thinking of the implications of lockdown on mental health.

He said: "I was getting to the point where I was thinking, I am young and I want to do something with my life, I want to make a big difference to people'.

"I quite enjoy creating an atmosphere, the perfect environment for people to be in - so I thought, 'just do it'. It was a bit of a motivational moment."

Blade has been cutting hair for seven years and previously worked at John Edwards.

He started looking for a premises in June last year and carried on working late on the night before hairdressers were allowed to open.

"It's been amazing, absolutely amazing," Blade added. "As cliché as it sounds, my dream is turning into reality and I've been able to talk to people about their mental health over the course of lockdown and give people some advice.

"A lot of people have this mentality now of wanting to do things and just do it, but not many people want to go over that last little bit, and I said to them, 'don't think about it, just do it' and they have been so shocked by how things can turn out.

"There's been support from family, friends and people I haven't even met wanting to support a local business. The people have been amazing, the people of Dorchetser are one of a kind, and from the surrounding areas. People coming down and seeing somewhere opening rather than closing I think has given everyone a bit of hope.

Blade wants to incorporate a café, outside seating, nail technician and massage into the barbers and work is continuing, with hopes massage and the nail technician will be available in June.

Michelle has joined the team at Mac 3 Barbers and walk-ins are accepted. Bookings can be made by visiting it's Facebook page or calling 07547 154302.

Currently they are offering all haircuts at £15 predominately.

Blade said: "What we want to create here is a really safe and fun atmosphere. People to come down and if they need to talk about problems, we can talk about problems, because the male suicide rate is so high. That's the kind of place I want to create here - gents coming down to a nice, safe feeling and just have a laugh.

"I think it's important for people to have that place to have a laugh."

Mac 3 Barbers is open 10am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am until around 5pm on Saturday.

For more information, visit its Facebook page.

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