A hair salon has launched a community book exchange.

Belle Hair Boutique, on Bell Street in Romsey, has started the initiative at its two salons to give pre-loved books a second life and encourage a sense of community.

The scheme allows anyone to visit the salon during opening hours, leave a book they have finished, and pick up a new one in return.

Caroline Nokes MP was one of the first to use the service, swapping a book during a visit to the salon.

Verity Wall, salon owner, said: "The Coven was originally founded as a safe space for neurodiverse individuals to have their hair styled, and we realised that having a good book to read can sometimes help ease anxiety during a haircut.

"But then we saw that many of our neurotypical clients at Belle Hair Boutique are also avid readers—so the book exchange made perfect sense."

The book exchange is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9am to 5.30pm/8pm.