A BUSINESSWOMAN from the region has joined the hairdressing elite after being crowned North-East hairdresser of the year in a glamorous national award.
Jill Watkins-Wright, from Great Ayton, was awarded the accolade at the British Hairdressing Awards (BHA) ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor Hotel.
Mrs Watkins-Wright, who has salons throughout North Yorkshire, in Great Ayton, Thirsk, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Kirkbymoorside, had pinned her hopes on scooping the North-East title having just missed out on the top spot three times previously.
“I’m absolutely delighted," she said.
"It's such an honour to even be a finalist up there with the best in the industry, but I hardly dared to think about what might happen on the night.
“I was very nervous because I have wanted it so much for so long."
Winners were chosen across nine regional and six specialist categories.
Hairdressers and artistic teams from across the country were chosen after submitting a collection of four images which showcased their creativity and technical ability.
The awards were presented by television personality and author David Walliams and X Factor winner Ben Haenow also took to the stage during the evening.
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