A barber from Falmouth has opened a new shop three years after anxiety and depression almost cost him his career.

Ethan Pattison said he wanted to share his experience of taking on mental ill health and coming out the other side, in a bid to encourage others to get help.

Back in 2017 he appeared to have it all. A successful businessman with two barber shops, custom was flying - but internally he was starting to break down.

Ethan said: "It all became a little overwhelming at the time, and it was extremely difficult to let go of the business I had built up since 2012."

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Three years on, however, and Ethan is rebuilding his life and looking to the future.

He added: "Having sought help and advice from local support groups and my GP I have managed to overcome these issues with the help and support of my family and friends and I wanted to share that although times can feel hopeless at times, there is light at the end of the tunnel and its OK not to be OK.

"Speak to someone as it has really helped me to find my passion and spark again for what I love doing."

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Ethan has now opened a new barbers at 89-91 Acacia Road in Falmouth, called Hair For Men - which with the help of family and friends he began trading in, just seven days after receiving the keys.

"My close friends, Stuffy, Pete, Adam and Danny Trick really rallied around to get my shop razor sharp, and turned around within seven days from receiving keys ready for the July 4, which really was mine and my family's very own independence day," he said.

On hand to officially open it was town mayor Steve Eva.

Ethan added: "So many people in the local and surrounding area have popped by to say good luck and how nice it is to see some life back on the parade again.

"And I look forward to welcoming old and new faces to the shop.

"It's been a real transformation and journey; 'up and on' as we say in these parts."