THE owner of a new salon for children with additional support needs (ASN) said she’s “overwhelmed” by all the support she’s received after officially opening the business last week.

Nicola Kirkpatrick’s NDL Spikes and Sparkles Family Salon opened on 31 Primrose Street on Friday, August 16.

To mark the occasion, she arranged for a young piper to play outside the building, and had face painting and even a visit from Spiderman and My Little Pony.

A number of youngsters and their parents turned out for the big day.

When asked how it all went, Nicola told the Advertiser: “The opening day went fantastic, the kids and parents loved it.

“I've been overwhelmed by the support I've had from the community.

“I've had people travel from Glasgow, Falkirk and Perth just to visit the salon.

“We had our piper outside and inside we had face painting for the kids [and even the] adults.

“The mascots went down well with the children, [and] overall it was a fantastic day.”

Nicola recently moved back to her hometown of Alloa after spending several years in London as a hairdresser.

While working down south she spotted the rise of hair salons dedicated to cutting the hair of kids with ASN such as autism, anxiety and other issues.

And after deciding she was going to move back to the Wee County, she decided to det up a similar type of salon in Clacks.

She said: "I had a hair salon in London for the last few years and seen the idea down there quite a bit, so I thought I would bring it to Alloa.

"I've been a hairdresser for 16 years and I know the challenge it can be for parents with ASN children. My brother has Asperger's, so I have grown up with it.

"I do also get a lot of kids with ASN so I have a lot of experience with it and am comfortable cutting their hair."

Nicola’s shop is kitted out with electric cars for the children to sit in, as well as iPads and Nintendo devices to keep them occupied.

For children who require a more peaceful setting, she will offer one-to-one appointments when nobody else is around so that the child can feel more comfortable.

To find out more about Nicola’s salon, or to book an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/y6pnckcn.