After 30 years in Helston well known barber and businessman Andy Perry is cutting ties for a career in TV and film.

As of this Tuesday Andy's Barbers will be under new ownership, while Andy himself pursues a new line of work in TV and film hair and effects make up.

When he set up business on his own two decades ago, having already worked in the town since 1989, he could have little foreseen that from a "one man band" in Church Street he would end up in a prime position on Coinagehall Street and then give it up for a new career.

Andy said: "I'm sad and excited - and nervous, because I'm leaving and I don't have a job to go to. But I'm not panicking - yet!

"But you've got to leave yourself available and be open to things. I'm ready for it.

"I've had some amazing years with a great bunch of staff."

The change of direction in his career came about thanks to a friend who works in the industry - and ended up with him working on the entire first series of American crime drama Batman spin-off Pennyworth at Warner Brother Studios.

Read more: Batman spin-off Pennyworth employs Helston barber

He has since gone on to work on the men's hair for the new film version of Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile starring Kenneth Branagh, scheduled for release in October, before moving on to upcoming science fiction drama series The Nevers with Joss Whedon, which also involved some work putting on and removing prosthetics.

While the industry is only just beginning to get going again after shutting down during the coronavirus pandemic, Andy said: "If I'm available I can go now."

However, he stressed that while he has sold his business he is not leaving Helston, as it remains his home.

Taking it on will be Steve Bell, who already has Fatty's Barbershop - named after his dog - in Penzance, while his wife has Laura Bell Salon in Penryn.

Andy, who over the years has been heavily involved in Helston's business community, including as chairman of the Helston Business Improvement Partnership (HBIP) for many years, added: "I feel very privileged to have worked in this town and have been involved in a lot of the regeneration.

"The community is something I never want to leave so I'm not going anywhere."