A vegan salon offering cruelty-free hair and beauty treatments has opened in the town centre.

Edge Organic Hair & Vegan Salon took over the former spot of Kelly Andrews in Castle Street, Ashford earlier this month.

Owner Janet Maria Clare, 48, who already owns a salon in Hertfordshire, decided to launch a salon using animal-friendly products in the town after recently moving to Little Burton.

The mum-of-two, who began following a vegan lifestyle five years ago, aims to integrate her ethical values into her new business.

"I'm an animal lover and I can't bear cruelty towards animals," she said.

"I never liked meat as a child. I would have been vegetarian back then but I was brought up to eat what is on my plate.

"Vegan products are more expensive.

"It costs more for me to use but I am not charging customers any more. I think my prices are quite reasonable."

The unisex salon will offer hair cutting, extensions and colouring, along with a range of beauty treatments including facials and manicures.

Products will not contain any animal ingredients, as they are from Organic Colour Systems - a company which is against animal testing and produces organic hair and beauty products.

When asked if there's a demand for vegan-focused salons, Ms Clare said: " Veganism and vegetarianism has become a lot more popular over the years.

"People are a lot more conscious about their health and what they put into their bodies.

"Forgetting about the vegan side of things, the hair products and dyes we use are brilliant and are very gentle on the hair.

"The products are not going to make your hair dry and brittle and are also very kind to the scalp.

"They cover grey hairs and are just as effective as any other treatment. There's no compromise on performance.

"It doesn't matter if you are vegan - the ingredients are better for your hair.

"I have been using these treatments for seven years and I would never go back."

In Canterbury, a vegan is demanding an apology after being served a pork sausage roll by bakery chain Greggs.

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