THREE Rochdale businesses are celebrating serving the public for nearly 120 years between them.

They contacted the Observer following our appeal for people who have been in business for longer than hairdresser Barbara Todd, who has run Silver Salon on Kingsway for the last 25 years.

Caterer Anne Leggett has been in business for 27 years and runs her catering business in Whitworth Road, which she bought in 1981.

Prior to going in to catering Mrs Leggett worked at North Manchester Hospital as a lab technician in the haematology department.

Mrs Leggett said: "Catering was always my hobby and I decided to do it full time. I’ve built the business up from scratch and we’re now very well known in the area and cater for a wide range of events, as well as having a very popular sandwich shop."

Barber David Mulineux bought his shop, David’s Barbers in Mellor Street, in 1967 and has worked there for the last 41 years. He has been a barber since he was 16, clocking up a total of 46 years with the clippers.

Mr Mulineux said: "My first ever customer was Keith Greenwood, from Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, he’s still a regular customer now and always says that he will be my last customer. Over the years I have seen many barbers come and go but I think my success is down to me always enjoying a good conversation with my customers. I think this always brings people back and like everything, I have put time, effort and commitment into my business and had a bit of luck too."

He added: "The redevelopment of Rochdale could pose a threat to me because it is due to take place at the back of my shop and at the moment the future is uncertain but I’m hoping to be here for many years to come."

Father and daughter Frank and Bernadette Cunningham, have kept their hairdressing business in the family and their shop, Hair Care Centre on Manchester Road, was opened by Frank in 1964, 44 years ago.

Seventy-year-old Mr Cunningham became a barber aged fifteen, totalling 55 years of hairdressing. As well as having his own shops, he also taught hairdressing at various colleges throughout the North West over the years. In 1977 he graduated in Trichology, the study of the hair and scalp health and disease and now runs his own practice, The Hair and Scalp Clinic in Ashton.

Daughter Bernadette has worked at Hair Care Centre for 29 years since leaving school at sixteen and now manages  the shop.

Her sister Joanne, who died of cancer nine years ago, also worked in the shop after leaving school.

Ms Cunningham said: "Me and Joanne are one of four but the only two that went to work in dad’s shop because I think he saw in us that creative streak that he had. My dad has always been my inspiration and he’s built the business up from nothing to what it is today. I think our success is due to his hard work and our loyal customer base which we hope will continue."