DEAR EDITOR - I don't often put pen to paper but in this case I feel I must,to see If any other 65-year-olds get the same treatment as myself. I'm sure they do.

I have been using the same gent's barber for over two years on a regular two-week basis and paying the full price for the full business which was very good and time taken was approx 15-20 mins.

Last month I reached the age of concession (65), on sitting in the chair he asked what I did etc - I told him that I was now retired.Well It was like a firing pistol had been fired for a 100 yard sprint - no more idle chatter, not much care, five minutes dead and a hair cut that looked like the Lickey Hills themselves.

Needless to say he has now lost a regular customer and perhaps that is what he wanted. I shall now find another barber and lie about my age, pay the extra and get a decent haircut.

T.H.Long,

Elliott Gardens,

Lickey Road, Rednal.