BEAUTY therapists were on a manicure mission when friends from a Darlington charity stopped by for some pampering.
Shine Hair & Beauty, in Northallerton, opened its doors to ladies who use Darlington Town Mission for friendship and as a means of getting out and about.
The salon supported the charity's fundraising ball last year and was keen to offer some of the elderly users the chance to spend a morning having their hair styled and nails manicured, which was a first for some of the ladies.
Jean Bailey, 82, said: "I'd never had my nails done before and didn't know what to expect. I didn't know I'd get a hand massage and all the other things. I decided to choose a nice pink colour, why not?"
Marion Simpson, 88, who also had her nails done by beauty owner Siobhan Caffery, said: "It was a big treat for me."
Margaret Taylor, 83, another first time manicure client, added: "I only joined the Town Mission in December and already I've been to the Christmas party and come here for my second outing.”
Elsie Maull had a blow-dry with stylist Amy Elstob and Sheila Sunley had a manicure with Siobhan.
Mary Drury, who is a trustee and volunteer driver, also enjoyed a blow-dry with Kayleigh Sainsbury.
"I just drove the ladies here, so it was a nice surprise to be able to get my hair done too," she said.
Darlington Town Mission was established in 1838 by the Pease family to relieve poverty and isolation.
Missioner Kirsten Bertram: "We provide support and friendship to 80 people in Darlington but only around 30 are able to go on the outings we arrange to places like garden centres and the seaside. This has been a lovely treat for the five ladies who could come and they've thoroughly enjoyed it."
Salon owner Wilson Derbyshire added: "The Town Mission does fantastic work to give older people a social life and we've supported their charity ball for two years. We thought it would be a nice idea for some of the ladies to have a trip to the salon and it's been a pleasure for our team to look after them."