An Okehampton salon has been in the spotlight as part of a national celebration of the beauty industry, with a local politician popping by.

Central Devon MP Sir Mel Stride dropped into Symphony Hair on Fore Street in Okehampton to see owner Mariana Voicu during British Beauty Week.

British Beauty Week is an initiative run by the British Beauty Council (from October 12 – October 25) to celebrate the economic and communal impact of the beauty industry across the UK.

Sir Mel’s visit was a chance to recognise an industry that is easy to overlook, despite its size and the number of people it employs.

Across the UK, there are more than 191,000 beauty and personal care businesses. Together they support 595,000 jobs and contribute £28.3 billion to the economy. That means more people work in beauty and personal care than in the creative arts and entertainment sector.

British Beauty Week is a moment to celebrate that contribution. Symphony Hair is one of the businesses that make up the sector in Okehampton.

Sir Mel said: "It was good to drop into Symphony Hair and see Mariana during British Beauty Week. Hair and beauty is easy to overlook as an industry. It really shouldn't be.

“A trip to the hairdresser can feel like a small thing, but add it all up across the country and the picture looks very different. When you look at the figures, it is a major employer and a big part of our economy, and it gives work to more people than the creative arts and entertainment sector.

"Businesses like Symphony Hair are part of that story, right here on Fore Street. They deserve to be recognised for the work they do and the jobs they provide, and British Beauty Week is the right time to do just that."