A HAIRDRESSERS in a market town is in line to be crowned the country's best salon after being named as a finalist in a national competition.

Customers and staff at Salon 54, in Thirsk, are hoping it overcomes the competition at the English Hair and Beauty Awards ceremony on Sunday (March 20).

The salon, which is owned by Emma Simmons, has been shortlisted for the title less than a year after it carried off the salon design of the year title for its transformation to enable customers to sit in comfortable surroundings.

Mrs Simmons, who has run the salon for 16 years, said within days of receiving the accolade last year there was a huge upturn in trade and that the addition of a colour bar to her business had seen customers travelling from a wide area to use its facilities.

After it was announced her salon would contend for the overall title this month, she said: "Im so proud of all my team, they work so hard, and truly deserve this, hopefully we will bring another trophy home again this year."

The awards organisers said the finalists had been chosen following a public vote.