A pair of barbers who shaved their way into the hearts of their clients have left an emotional goodbye message as they close their doors for the final time.

Alfonso Russo and Sam Rizzo, who own Sam's Place on Gorgie Road in Edinburgh, have chosen to retire after nearly 50 years together.

The traditional barbershop, which has remained untouched since it opened in 1971, has cut the locks of locals and celebrities such as Sean Connery during its lifetime.

Both from Salerno in Italy, Sam and Alfonso set up their own shop after working together for several years at the International Barbers in the city.

Sam, 73, is now battling blood cancer and Alfonso believes it is time the Hearts fans finally retired.

In a special message to their customers, sellotaped on to the the shop's front door, the pair wrote they were very sorry to close but they would "always love" their fans.

Dearest Customers,

This is a message of goodbye from Sam and Alfonso.

We both would have liked still yet serve you with pride and joy, as always.

We will always love you and proud of you all.

Unfortunately we had to retire on grounds of bad health.

We are very sorry.

Love you all forever and we shall never forget your great loyalty for ever more...

Sam and Alfonso

"Sams"

"Sam and I shared the same passion for hairdressing and football," says Alfonso.

"In the 70s, Gorgie was a lively place and had loads going for it, from the factory to the football ground. That's why we picked here for our shop."

The talented duo continued to offer traditional shaves right until the end, using a special barber's soap which they brush on to produce a lather.

The busy shop, where the radio used to play Terry Wogan and a sign welcomed customers to help themselves to tea and coffee, barely altered under their hands.

The same three black leather chairs sat in front of the mirror for decades and the wall panels still had magnificent old wooden frames.

"There are so many stories to talk about from over the years, I'd be here for hours if I thought about them all," says Alfonso.

"Loads of footballers and celebrities remained loyal customers, probably two of the most memorable are Sean Connery and (former Celtic goalkeeper) Ronnie Simpson.

"I remember cutting Ronnie Simpson's hair just before he went to Lisbon for the 1967 European Cup final and he said there was 'no chance' they would win - but they did.

"Then when I moved to this shop, he continued coming to get his haircut."

Football photographs and newspaper articles covered the walls of the barbers, which held a closing party this week to allow regular customers - many of whom would visit just for a chat and cup of coffee - to bid farewell.

Lesley Walker, who started working at the salon in 1977 when she was just 17, recalls her most memorable day.

"When Hearts won the Scottish Cup in 1998 I distinctly remember John Robertson visiting the shop just a few days after the bus parade," she says.

"With the photographs on the walls and things, we've tried to cater for every football team, not just Hearts.

"I think that's why people continued to return to us because as well as a haircut they could always get a good chat about the football."

Keith Burns, 52, from Murrayburn, visited Sam's Place as it was closing its doors for the final time.

He says: "I've been coming here since it opened in the 1970s, since I was a wee boy and for as long as I can remember.

"It's a really sad day because it's a Gorgie institution and a key part of our community.

"I never found another barber shop that did a flat top as well Sam's did back in the day."