HE was a hairdresser to the stars who boasted a host of celebrity clients and a chain of successful salons in the South.

But Trevor Mitchell was also a much-loved family man popular with colleagues and customers and somewhat of a Southampton legend.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the man dubbed the fastest barber in the world, thanks to his string of world records, who has lost his long battle with Alzheimer’s aged 86.

Originally from Worksop, Trevor Mitchell arrived in Southampton at the age of 16 and worked in Cadena Cafe and Bakery in the High Street.

He joined the Royal Hampshire Regiment in 1952 and was asked to become a barber as his mother was a hairdresser.

He found success after opening his first premises, a one chair barbershop in Woolston in 1956, and eventually had eight salons in and around Southampton.

Mr Mitchell won dozens of prestigious hairdressing competitions and trained stylists from across the world during his glittering 60 year career.

He was responsible for good friend Kevin Keegan’s famous perm during his celebrated 80s spell with Saints and also tended to the locks of celebrities including former Bond James Connery, boxer Frank Bruno, Saints and England stopper Peter Shilton, crooner Cliff Richard and TV presenter Gloria Hunniford and even appeared on screen himself, teaching David Dickinson how to give a top trim.

He was also a proud adopted Sotonian and loved looking at old photographs of the city and attempting to date them.

Son Jeff said: “He simply loved the city and its history. Southampton certainly took dad to its heart and he reciprocated in kind.”

Helen Gerrard, director of Trevor Mitchell Romsey, added: “So many great memories of such a great man from 25 years of knowing Mr Mitchell from a 15 year old Saturday girl to owning two salons and now a director. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without his knowledge, determination and skills.

“A true gentleman, comedian, showman and one of the best hairdressers in this country.”

Staff at Trevor Mitchell International in Bedford Place described him as a Southampton legend who leaves a lasting legacy.

A private funeral on Thursday will be followed by a larger memorial service at a later date.