An urgent appeal has been launched to find volunteers who could help out at a very special hair salon at Scunthorpe General Hospital.

The Headway Salon offers help and advice for men and women who have suffered hair loss through cancer treatments.

Professional hairdresser Sue Weatherill attends the salon fortnightly on Fridays and is supported by volunteers.

But the salon is in need of more volunteers to lend a hand and ensure the team can continue to support the patients who use this service.

The salon helps people to come to terms with the loss of their hair. Some people find it embarrassing to go out in public because they are worried about how others might react. It can lead to a loss of self-esteem and confidence.

The hospital's Headway Salon provides a comfortable and friendly environment where they can learn about all of the options open to them, such as scarves, wigs or hats.

Julie Dobbs, the hospital trust's voluntary services manager, said: "The aim is to restore people's confidence so they feel they can go out and about once more and face the world."

Volunteers assist Sue by meeting and greeting patients, making refreshments and showing people how to tie head scarves and wear head wear so it looks like a fashion accessory rather than a means to cover hair loss.

Julie said: "The volunteers get a great deal of pleasure of helping out. They say it is a very fulfilling role as they see people come in with very low self-esteem due to their hair loss and leave with a bit more confidence."

Volunteers do not need to be professional hairdressers; however they must be compassionate, friendly and chatty and willing to volunteer for four to five hours approximately every four weeks.

Anyone wanting further information should contact Julie on 01724 387896. All volunteers are subject to enhanced police checks and medical clearance.