FAMOUS hairdresser Lee Stafford has opened his first salon outside of the south-east – in Derby.

Lee, who is famed for his products and television appearances, is fulfilling a dream to create a set of exclusive salons across the country.

And he said Derby was the perfect place for his latest salon.

He said: "Derby is a fantastic city – full of history, culture and very fashion-conscious individuals.

"We are likely to attract customers from Birmingham, Leicester and Sheffield so we wanted to be somewhere accessible."

The opening of the salon in Duffield Road, Allestree, happened after Lee linked up with Derby businessman Steve Atkins, 30, of Allestree.

Although, the salon opened for business a week ago, Champagne flowed on Saturday when Lee arrived in the city to declare it officially open.

Essex-born Lee, 43, has salons in the south-east but this is the first north of London.

He said: "The growth of Stafford Salons, with my own trained staff, is my dream.

"It would be unwise to say that the recession has not had any effect at all but it is clear that people still want to look good.

"They still consider having good hair and beauty regimes important even if they are having one week's holiday instead of two.

"I am delighted with the new salon.

"I think it is going to be a great success here.

Beauty and tanning treatments, as well as hairdressing will be on offer at the salon with Lee's traditional PINK range.

Steve, who says he has spent the last 13 years dabbling in a range of business adventures, admits this is his first foray into hair and beauty.

He said: "Getting a name like Lee Stafford to Derby is a real coup for the city.

"We have employed all local staff to work here and they have all been given top-notch Lee Stafford training."

The salon is employing seven stylists, two beauticians, two juniors and a receptionist.

Assistant manager Samantha Protheroe, of Oakwood , said: "I have been working as a hair stylist for five years but this is a fantastic opportunity for me."

Jo Finnegan, of Allestree, tried the salon for the first time last week.

She said: "It was a very relaxing experience and because it is so handy it was great for me.

"It's a taste of London in Derby and exactly what the city needs to make everyone look really chic."