A PORTFOLIO of hairstyles inspired by the 1920s has earned a North Yorkshire hairdresser a place in the finals of a national hairdressing competition.

Lindsay Burr, 40, the managing director of the Ryedale-based Goody's Group, has been named as one of the six finalists in the British Hairdressing Awards North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year Award 2004.

She was chosen from hundreds of entries as a contender for one of the nine regional awards and will now travel to London in November to attend the British Hairdressing Awards at the Gros-venor House Hotel.

It is the first time Ms Burr, who is also vice-chairman of Ryedale District Council, had entered the competition.

Her portfolio, called the Secrets Collection, displays her best styles and ideas and reflects her expertise and dedication to hairdressing.

She said: "The collection has a 1920s' influence. It really reflects what I think is happening in fashion. There are no hard lines, it's all soft.

"A lot of styles are so full of product - I wanted to create something really different and bring curls back in. I think people are bored of being straight."

One of Ms Burr's styles has also been selected for The Most Wanted Look of 2004 finals.

Ms Burr first opened a salon at Castlegate, Norton, 25 years ago. She now employs 45 people in her salons at Malton, Norton, Kirkbymoorside and Pickering. She has also opened an academy which trains students.