AN award-winning hairdresser who teased the tresses of women in Pocklington and York has died aged 89.

Clifford Pinder, of Bishopthorpe, scooped a number of hairdressing awards in his long career, and he also helped to launch a hairdressing training school in York for up and coming stylists.

Born in York in Nunnery Lane, where his father, John Pinder, ran a barber shop, Clifford went into the family business of hairdressing.

He opened his first salon in Pocklington in 1942, later joining forces with hairdresser Albert Hart to open three salons in York in Coney Street, Blossom Street and Davygate.

Clifford won a number of national and international awards, including first prize in the Northern Area British Championships in 1956.

The Hart and Pinder partnership also involved teaching their skills to young trainees.

Clifford leaves a widow, Mollie, a daughter, Margaret, and son John, son-in-law Mick and daughter-in-law Rose, four grandchildren and one great grandson.

Margaret, who lives in Woodthorpe, said: "He was a lovely man, quite a quiet person.

"He was a gentleman to his customers and I'm sure quite a few people would remember him.

"When he was in the hospice one of the tea ladies saw who he was and realised that he used to do her hair."

Clifford died in St Leonard's Hospice, York.

A funeral service will take place this Friday at York Crematorium at 1pm.

Updated: 09:02 Friday, May 23, 2003