Hundreds of people in St Neots have taken to social media to campaign for a commemorative plaque to recognise the services of Jimmy Mosca who ran a barber’s shop in the town for 50 years.

Many want to see a permanent reminder of Jimmy’s contribution to the local economy and hope his 50 years of trading in the town can be celebrated and remembered in some way.

The 78-year-old announced last week that his traditional barber’s shop, in Cambridge Street, which was famous for its short, back and sides, would be closing.

He posted a message on the window of the shop that read: “It is with deep regret that I inform you that my shop will no longer be re-opening. It’s been a real pleasure to have been open for over 50 years and in that time I have met so many wonderful people who have become my friends. I will miss you all. Best wishes for the future.”

Since then, hundreds of people have posted messages to wish Jimmy well and many have shared their memories. Some remember going to the shop as children and others recall Jimmy’s sense of humour and easy going manner.

One even took the time to work out that Jimmy had carried out somewhere in the region of 252,000 hair cuts during his time at the shop.

“Always so courteous, a dab hand at the ‘Italian crop’,” said Richard Hart.

“Jimmy’s old school barber shop oozed panache and nostalgia, emanating from a gentle man with so many stories to tell. Each visit was a heady mix of hair and history.”

Other posts read: “St Neots won’t be the same without you,” “Have a well-earned rest,” “I will miss having a natter,” and others described him as a “legend”.

Jimmy’s son, Lorenzo, said on Facebook: “Thanks for your comments, dad will be chuffed.”