Aquarius Hair Studio, in the Bell Centre in Nottingham Street, has become extra popular with Poles thanks to the hairdressing and language talents of Sigita Zukauskaite.

The Lithuanian national can speak English, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian and a bit of Italian, which comes in handy for English language beginners.

Sigita, who has been hairdressing for 10 ten years and has lived in Melton since 2006, said: "I love hairdressing in England because people like lots of different hairstyles and like to have lots of different options, young people especially. In Lithuania people are much more conservative.

"I like colouring people's hair and having the nice conversations with customers. It's been very helpful to have so many languages. A lot of people from eastern Europe speak English but perhaps don't have enough confidence to walk into a salon and explain what they want."

She estimates since her arrival twice as many Polish people now use the salon, which also has other staff members with Polish relatives.

Earlier this month a specialist Polish food shop opened in Sherrard Street, Melton.

Up to 1,000 Poles are now thought to live in and around the town, which first developed Polish links through Second World War refugees.