A HEXHAM hairdressing salon has been named as one of the country’s best after winning a place in the final finalist of a prestigious national award.

Saks Hexham, on Priestpopple, has reached the final of the training award category of the Hairdressers Journal (HJ) British Hairdressing Business Awards 2018, sponsored by Wella Professionals.

Staff at the salon will now have to wait until September to find out if they have been crowned the overall category winner.

The training category recognises the commitment to training, appraisals and staff development, as well as how training contributes to the success of the business.

Shannon Currah, from Saks Hexham, said: “We’re delighted to have been named as a finalist in the British Hairdressing Business Awards.

“It reflects the tremendous hard work everyone at the salon has put in over the past 12 months, and we’re indebted to them for making this such a fantastic year. We’re so excited and cannot wait until the awards ceremony in September.”

The awards promote professionalism, innovation and excellence, while recognising those individuals and teams who work tirelessly to raise the profile of the hairdressing industry.

Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of the HJ British Hairdressing Business Awards, said: “To be named as a finalist highlights how exceptional this salon is. With hundreds of entries for each category and a panel of judges that excel at looking for the finer details, just to make the shortlist is an outstanding achievement.

“We wish them all the very best of luck for the awards night, which promises to be a spectacular evening for all.”