A Woodford Green barber shop, which staff say is creating a “buzz” in the area, recently welcomed British hip-hop star Chipmunk.

The Wood Barber Shop in Snakes Lane East is labelled as the first “Afro-Caribbean and European barbers in Woodford”, by its owner Tyrone Marcelle, 27.

Chipmunk, a north London rapper who has collaborated with artists including N-Dubz and Tinchy Stryder, visited on April 21, when fans vied to grab a photo with the music star.

Mr Marcelle said: “He popped in to check out our shop and wished us all the best.

“I think his girlfriend lives in the area. He said next time he is in the area he will get a haircut here.”

Tottenham Hotspur footballer Jermain Defoe, Mr Marcelle’s cousin, was also due to make an appearance on the shop’s opening day in March, but had a match commitment.

While Mr Marcelle believes he has taken a “risk” opening up the shop, he thinks it will encourage others to do the same.

He said: “There’s no barbers like ours.

“There isn’t an Afro-Caribbean barbers anywhere near here.

“From here to Harlow, Forest Gate, Stratford and Leyton, there isn’t anything.

“I used to go all the way to Forest Gate to get my hair cut and a lot of people have to do the same.”

One customer, an 82-year-old man, used to travel to Walthamstow for his haircuts but is now visiting the shop.

Part of the appeal for younger customers appears to be extras such as a 50in television screen, free wi-fi and a PlayStation 3.

It started catering for women on Thursday and will have tattooing services from Monday.

Daniel Protain, 23, a cousin of Mr Marcelle’s who cuts hair at the shop, said: “The whole area knows about this shop so there is definitely a buzz around it.”