WIRRAL'S first Afro-Caribbean barbershop has opened in Birkenhead with the aim of promoting multi-cultural inclusiveness.

The Hairforce Base in Oxton Road was officially opened by mayor, Cllr Steve Foulkes, during an event on Friday night.

The idea came from Rock Ferry-based pastor Ignatius Anyanwu, who saw a gap in the market in Wirral.

It offers African braids, curls, perm, Sportin Wave, fade and 'Hightop' styles and is, according to Mr Anyanwu, a first for Wirral.

A professional barber for 27 years, who has trained in Florida and Miami, he told the Globe: "The aim of this venture is to give the community what has been lacking for ages in the borough.

"Afro-Caribbeans in Wirral don't really have a barber shop, a professional barber. When we came to Wirral last year, we saw a gap in the market for an Afro-Caribbean community.

“However, it's not just for them. It's for the whole community.

"Wirral is a growing population, particularly the Afro-Caribbeans, and it's so strange that we don't have professional barbers here.

"Its aim is to bring the community together and inspire a sense of inclusiveness, bringing people together."

Mr Anyanwu is also a minister at Divine Kingdom of Life Ministry in Rock Ferry continued: "When we carried out research we found that there was a need for this in Wirral, most Afro-Caribbeans travel to Liverpool and Manchester to have their hair cut.

"If somebody was to ask me what the difference was between an African barber and non-African barber, I would say that the difference is in the texture of the hair.

"It's very important that you understand that, otherwise you wouldn't be able to operate."

Barbershop staff were recruited through Bromborough job centre.

Among those at Friday's launch was Garrick Prayog, from Wirral Cultural Diversity Group. He told the Globe: "This particular project is quite unique.

"Traditionally, hairdressers and barbers are a place where the community meets and has conversations. They are a central point for exchanging information.

"This barbershop is a very good way of celebrating what multiculturalism can be."

Among those wishing Ignatius well with the venture was Birkenhead pensioner John Kennedy. He said: "Oxton Road is a fine community. There are a lot of shops opened up in the last couple of weeks.

"I think Ignatius has done the right thing opening his barber shop. I wish him every success."