TRAINEE hairdresser Jessica Langridge proved such a cut above the rest with her customers that they nominated the teenage stylist for a major award.

Now the 18-year-old from Norton has been voted the National Hairdressing Federation's Student of the Year for the Central England region.

Jessica was taken on as an apprentice at Salon 2000 on The Broadway by proprietor Julie Sargent after leaving Ridgewood High School in Wollaston.

Julie said: "Jessica's father is a friend of my husband's and I just happened to be looking for an apprentice at the time. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time.

"Jess has just graduated and I'm delighted to say she is staying with us, which will come as a relief to all her customers, as they love her to bits.

"To win this award so early in her career is really prestigious.

"It's the first time that Salon 2000 has won any award and it has certainly put us on the map.

"We're only a small salon in comparison to some - with five hairdressers and a beautician.

"But the nice thing about Jess is that she appreciates it has been a team effort.

"She will now go onto college for her NVQ Level 3 - but I believe Jess will go right to the top in hairdressing."