A HAIR salon that has been in Taunton since the 1970s is relocating to a more central building in the town.

Fanily-run Nichares, currently in Magdalene Lane, is moving to the former Boots Opticians premises in Fore Street.

The building will also house Taunton Aesthetics, currently based in Bridgwater, which offers facial treatments such as Botox from a qualified nurse.

Nichares owner Kim Dermody-Steer, who has bought the freehold of the premises, also hopes to convert the upper floors into three flats.

Mrs Dermody-Steer, who took over the business six years ago, said: "We're moving into the building in mid-December and are expanding the salon.

"We're restoring it all with a whole new shopfront back to how it used to be when it was a local opticians in the 1920s.

"Inside, it's going to be a fresh, bright, modern salon.

"Nichares has been in Magdalene Lane for more than 40 years and is Taunton's oldest salon.

"We've outgrown our current premises, which are rented.

"We now want to expand our team at a salon which reflects who we are and is in a better position, in a much bigger building."

Mrs Dermody-Steer, whose son Cameron manages the salon, added: "It's nice to have some positive news at a time when shops are closing."