At the age of 100, you'd be inclined to think haircuts for life was not a very lavish present.

But Marjorie Pollock is thrilled with her prize for showing 35 years of loyalty to the same hairdresser.

She first visited Hair by David John, in Woodland Drive, Brighton, in 1971 and has been going weekly ever since.

She has spent the equivalent of £27,937 at the salon but yesterday enjoyed the first of her free cuts as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Owner David John, 59, has styled her barnet since she first walked into the salon. He marked her centenary with a surprise champagne party.

Mrs Pollock, of Dyke Road, Hove, has no plans to break her Friday morning tradition as she believes her stylist is a cut above the rest.

She said: "I started going there because it was very handy to Dyke Road and I really enjoyed it from day one.

"I went at the end of the week so my hair was ready for the weekend and I have done so ever since.

"It was a big surprise when I walked in and there was champagne. I certainly enjoyed it and the other customers did as well.

"The visits are always a happy occasion and I look forward to it throughout the week.

"At least this time I didn't have to take my purse."

Mrs Pollock was celebrating her birthday at a family party today with her son Colin, 70, and daughter Avril, 68. Her youngest son, Ian, 58, lives in Norway.

Even though she has lived through the hippy years of the Sixties and disco days of the Seventies, Mrs Pollock has always kept the same style.

She said: "They are always very good to me and I have always been happy with them.

"I haven't changed my hair too much over the years and they've never had any complaints.

"Mind you, they've had long enough to get it right."

When Mrs Pollock arrived for her first hair cut she paid £5. Three and a half decades later she paid £15.35.

Hairdresser David John is pleased he can reward her loyalty.

He said: "She has always been a very good conversationalist, smartly dressed and lovely company.

"She came in with her telegram from the Queen and it occurred to me they both have a similar style."