A HERO hairdresser has become an internet sensation – after helping a little boy with autism conquer his fear of getting his hair cut.

Caroline Darrah, who works in Greenock’s Harbour Barbers, used her patience to put seven-year-old John Saidler at ease when he visited the salon recently.

Her kind and caring manner instantly rubbed off on the Gourock youngster, who left the shop smiling with his new haircut.

Now a video showing John – who is a pupil at Craigmarloch School – getting his hair cut has been viewed by over 17,000 people across the world.

His mum Dorothy Warwick, who stays in Gourock, said: “I can’t thank the staff enough.

“John can be quite anxious, but they were brilliant and really made him feel relaxed.

“When he gets flustered it makes me worry, so it’s a big weight off my mind to know he can now  go somewhere that he enjoys getting his hair cut. It’s really appreciated that the staff take the time and show consideration to make him feel comfortable as it can sometimes be hard work.

“We will definitely be back.”

Caroline, pictured, who is the manager at the barbers, settled John’s nerves by letting him hold her hand while she cut his hair.

She said: “He is absolutely adorable.

“I had been working with the children at Lilybank school, which is now Craigmarloch, for the past seven years so I know that every child is different and no two kids with autism are the same.

“It’s quite amazing that the video has been seen by 17,000 people and hopefully it will raise awareness of the condition.”

Euan Morrison, inset, who owns Harbour Barbers, says helping children like John is important to them.

He said: “We want to show that at our hairdressers, it’s not a nightmare for weans to get their hair cut, and especially those who need a little more support.”

“We have shown that it can be done with a wee bit of patience and creativity.

“Caroline was brilliant with John.”