A UNIQUE salon for children with additional support needs will open its doors this week with special guests set to be on hand for its grand opening.

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

It was down south where she noticed the rise of hair salons dedicated to cutting the hair of children who have additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, anxiety and other issues.

When Nicola decided she was moving back to Scotland, she set about opening her own salon of the same ilk and just a short time later, the store is set to open its doors for the first time.

She knows full well how difficult it can be for parents to find a salon that caters for ASN.

Nicola told the Advertiser 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."

Opening this Friday, August 16, the store on Primrose Street will be 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, Nicola will offer one-to-one appointments when nobody else is around so that the child can feel more comfortable.

Nicola said she has been blown away by the reception so far and now can't wait to get it up and running – despite the stress she is currently under.

She said: "The reception has been fantastic. All of the feedback in person and online has been great and a lot of people are saying it is exactly what is needed around here."

On the day for the grand opening, there will be opportunities for children to get their picture taken with Spiderman and My Little Pony as well as a young piper playing outside between 10am and 11am.

The store will be located at 31 Primrose Street as of Friday, August 16.