A HAIR and beauty salon has been so successful in its first six months of trading, it has decided to create a £40,000 expansion - and take on seven new employees.

Hobson and Holmes, in West Park, Darlington, is looking for three stylists, three trainees and a receptionist for when it extends its premises into a neighbouring unit.

The salon, which has been featured in a L'Oreal campaign, will be doubled in size to 2,000sq ft.

Extra work stations and basins with vibrating chairs will be fitted in the next door unit, in a mirror image of the exiting salon, which opened in November last year. The two rooms will be connected via an arch.

Andrew Hobson, who owns the salon with business partner Nick Holmes, said they had always planned to expand in the first year, but had brought the date forward.

"I think the area's fantastic and it's really convenient with lots of parking. We like to give the personal touch - our stylists spend good, quality time with each client and we keep records of everything, from the shade of colour we use, to how many sugars you take in your tea.

"The initial reaction has been great. We opened in November last year and everything has gone really well - it couldn't have gone any better."

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about jobs at Hobson and Holmes should visit hobsonandholmes.co.uk or call the salon on 01325-350727.