A Host of stars gathered for the official launch of celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie's new salon.

Champagne flowed as dozens of guests toasted the success of the hairdresser's first salon outside London in Nile Street, Brighton, on Tuesday.

Guests including actress Denise Van Outen, newsreader Carol Barnes and presenter Caryn Franklin crammed into the salon for the official ceremony before moving on to the nearby Hotel Du Vin to continue the exclusive party.

Trevor himself had been terrified no one would turn up. But with a celebrity clientele including Ms Van Outen, Helen Mirren and Lesley Ash, he was not short of support on the night.

He said: "This is the first party I've had since I was 14, when my mum and dad threw me a disastrous party where no one turned up.

"The day before the party I got a huge boil on my nose and I told my best friend I wished I wasn't having a birthday party at all. He told everyone it was cancelled.

"I sat there with my mum and dad waiting for all my friends to arrive and no one came.

"I've had a phobia about parties ever since but decided that opening my first salon outside of London was the right time to break that bad dream. I was really nervous and convinced no one would come. But everyone turned up and I'm really delighted."

Despite his pre-party nerves, he looked at ease as he chatted to guests including opera singer Lesley Garrett, This Morning's stylist Wendy Elsmore and hairdresser John Scott, Dexy's Midnight Runners frontman Kevin Rowland and Savile Rogue Mark Powell, who has just opened a bespoke tailoring boutique in Brighton.

Ms Van Outen said: "Trevor has been doing my hair since I was in Chicago and I think he's fantastic.

"He's very loyal. I just call him up and say my hair needs help and he'll always fit me in."

She is set to be a regular visitor to the new salon because her brother Terry, who accompanied her on the night, lives in Brighton.

She said: "My brother went for a job with Trevor and got it. But he never told Trevor who he was, so when I next saw Trevor I was like 'thanks for giving my brother a job' and he had no idea what I was talking about.

"Trevor's a wonderful guy and his success is down to hard work but also because he's not at all selfish. He's a very generous person and always shares his success with his team."

Chesney Hawkes is also a big fan and was there to show his support.

The singer, who has been writing for other bands and is working on a new album, spent much of the night cuddling up to his girlfriend.

He said: "Trevor has been doing my hair for 13 years. He's a very understanding stylist. He never does anything drastic without your permission. I always walk out thinking, 'Yes, that's perfect'."

According to Sorbie, the event signalled the beginning of a commitment to a city he loves.

He said: "People ask why I chose Brighton as the location for the salon and I say it's simple - I love Brighton so I went with my heart.

"I'm determined to make this salon work."

The salon is at Nile Pavilions, Nile Street, Brighton. Call 0870 9201100.