A BEAUTY salon and training academy held its official opening on Saturday - with a helping hand from Coronation Street actor Andrew Whyment who cut the ribbon.

Owner Tanya Lloyd has launched Glamour Girl at a three-storey property on Market Street in Atherton.

The 45-year-old, who sold her company Stringfellows Estates in July, also bought another neighbouring three-storey building where a commercial unit is housed on the ground floor with space for a two-storey apartment above.

Tanya and her partner Denis Robinson, who works in property, have led the renovation of the buildings.

Tanya with her beauty workers and Andrew Whyment outside Glamour Girl for its official opening on Saturday

The Glamour Girl training academy

Tanya with Andrew Whyment

One of the Glamour Girl treatment rooms

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Speaking about her career change, Tanya, from Atherton, said: "I fancied a change after nine years of working in renovating properties

"I like beauty and I'm always looking for a business opportunity.

"The salon opened four weeks ago and it has been really busy so far.

"I feel very proud that the Market street buildings have been renovated to a great standard and have improved the town centre, of which I am very fond off having grown up in Atherton.

"I am extremely excited to offer a salon with a whole range of services from hair, nails, skin tag removal to laser hair removal and non-surgical facelifts."

Ahead of her venture into the beauty industry, Tanya completed a course in Northwich a year ago before carrying out advanced training.

There are around seven self-employed workers who hire a seat at Glamour Girl and offer a range of beauty services including hair styling, makeup and nails.

Tanya's partner Denis Robinson, who works in property, has also been instrumental in the renovation of the building.