Sarah Clover was impressed by the vibrancy of Malmesbury town centre when she visited on business last year – but felt there was something missing.

Mother-of-three Mrs Clover, a director of children’s services at the YMCA in Bath, said: “There was a lot going on in the High Street but compared to other towns I noticed a gap in the market.”

She felt there were not sufficient outlets to cater for a growing demand in the nail, hair and beauty sector.

So she opened a salon herself. She said: “I went to school in Malmesbury so I knew the town and I always liked it.”

The result is Hair and Nails@44, which opened at 44 High Street four months ago and will tonight be officially unveiled by Malmesbury mayor Sue Poole.

The beauty sector is a completely new direction for Mrs Clover, whose position at the YMCA is part-time. She has previously run children’s nurseries and was in the hotel business with husband Keith.

Mrs Clover, 57, said: “I felt the High Street could do with a nails and hair presence. Nail technology is a growth business. A lot more people are having their nails done these days.

“We thought we’d complement that with the hair and beauty side of the business and it’s working very well.”

Mrs Clover said the salon, which employs two full-time and one part-time staff, had also branched into eyebrow and eyelashes care and had recently received a qualification to treat Hi Brow, which involves “tidying-up, refining and defining” eyebrows with the use of a threading technique.

The salon has added another string to its bow after becoming licensed to pierce ears. She said: “I think we are the only ones who do this in Malmesbury. At least I have been unable find anywhere else.”

Hair and Nails@44 is looking to branch into the bridal business, which would involve giving over the saloon to a bridal party for “the full works” on the morning of the wedding.

She said: “I think we are providing something new, exciting and dynamic that Malmesbury didn’t have before.”

Hair and Nails@44 can be contacted on 01666 823285.

Further details from info@hairandnailsat44.co.uk or www.hairandnailsat44.co.uk