Sadness in St Germans as village hairdresser dies suddenly aged 69

A West Norfolk village has been left in shock following the sudden death of popular hairdresser John Claxton, writes RICHARD PARR.

Mr Claxton, 69, had run a hairdressing business in St Germans for almost 50 years.

He died suddenly on Tuesday, May 3, at his bungalow home in the village.

A post-mortem examinaion has been carried out and it is understood there are no suspicious circumstances.

Warm tributes have been paid tor Mr Claxton who was described by close friend Lyn Brown as a "flamboyant character who was one of a kind".

'John was very much part of the village community at st Germans and everyone in the village knew John. His death will leave a huge void in the village," said Lyn.

Floral tributes had been left outside the salon after news of his death spread quickly through the village.

Before Mr Claxton opened his current Lynn Road premises, he had previously run the business for 25 years from the old village post office.

He would often be seen pushing his bicycle between his home and the salon," said Lyn.

He was born in St Germans, the son of the late Peter and Iris Claxton. He leaves a brother, Richard and two nephews, Tom and Peter.

One of John's interests was attending car boot sales and the monthly auctions at Middleton village hall. He was such a regular attender there that organisers reserved seats for him.

Lyn said John's other interests included gardening, flower arranging and sewing. He was also an animal lover, having two cats, called Nelly and Dolly and he also kept guinea pigs in a run he built in his garden.

Details of Mr Claxton's funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.