Features

I made my way by car to RAF Lakenheath and was greeted at the gates by Nicola Grimwood, who runs several barber shops on the base.

The stylists are kept very busy

After thorough checks at the gate (showing my passport and car tax disc) I was allowed to drive to the check point where my BBC vehicle was thoroughly checked, even under the bonnet!

I followed Nicola to her shop, which for all the world was situated inside a US shopping mall. Her shop has five barbers chairs and a constant flow of US military personnel queuing for haircuts.

She explained how her business operates for very long hours, seven days a week.

The haircut is just as important to the military personnel as their uniform and there are strict guidelines as to how hair should be cut. The styles include 'Flat Top' and 'High and Tight'.

Rob admires the finished product

Not satisfied with demonstrating on a model, Nicola challenged me to let one of her stylists give me a US military style cut. Being the extrovert I am, I agreed.

By the way, I LOVED the result and I need to go back regularly now!