MOURNERS clapped as the funeral cortege for a "cheeky smiling" hairdresser known for "touching people's hearts and not just their hair" passed his former city salon for the final time. 

It was standing room only inside Worcester Crematorium Chapel as friends and family filled the aisles to say goodbye to Martyn Moore, who died at the age of 75.

Worcester News: As owner of Inspiration in College Street, Worcester in 1992As owner of Inspiration in College Street, Worcester in 1992 (Image: Submitted)

Mr Moore was a popular character within the Worcester community, having owned arguably one of the best-known ladies’ hairdressers, Inspiration, which still stands opposite Worcester Cathedral on College Street.

An emotional moment was shared outside Inspirations today (Tuesday) as staff and customers clapped goodbye to Mr Moore as he passed by.

The service opened with Keep on Running by The Spencer Davis Group and continued with words of welcome by Celebrant Pip Challenger. 

Worcester News: Preparing client Margeret Powell’s 43-inch-long hair for a competition in 1982, which she won.Preparing client Margeret Powell’s 43-inch-long hair for a competition in 1982, which she won. (Image: Submitted)Poems were read by Mr Moore's granddaughter, Mabel, and his daughter-in-law, Bridget Moore. 

His son James Moore spoke about his father and paid tribute to his popularity, noting that his dad could never walk down Worcester High Street without people stopping him.

In 1979, Mr Moore opened his own business on College Street, which was initially called Martyn’s Place.

The business soon grew in popularity, and in the late 1980s, it was restyled as Inspiration and still runs under that name today.

Worcester News: Chilling out after retiring in 2018.Chilling out after retiring in 2018. (Image: Submitted)Joanne Russell, the new owner of Inspiration, said the salon's name mimics what Mr Moore was to many people in the industry—an inspiration. 

"His flair and passion for hairdressing was astonishing," she said.

"Just his inspiration for hairdressing meant he touched many people's hearts, not just their hair. 

"He would have time for everyone, make people smile and make them feel amazing about themselves.

"When I was training under him (at age 16), he had people come in who were being treated for cancer who actually looked forward to seeing him once a week.

"Nothing was ever too much, and if you walked in off the street, he would always welcome you with open arms."

Donations in memory of Mr Moore are to be sent to Headway.