A SMALL hairdressing salon has proved it can compete with the best by sweeping the board in a regional contest.

Hair Haus, in Bishop Auckland, landed nine awards in the North-East final of the National Hairdressers' Federation competition, to secure a place in the national final, in October.

Five of the salon's staff entered individual rounds against 29 other competitors and between then won more than any other salon from the region - bringing home nine prizes.

Manager Mark McHale said: "I was really pleased with how the salon performed. I'm proud of all the staff.

"There were 1,000 people from established and new salons from across the North-East and the event was an excellent achievement by young staff.

"We did exceptionally well, especially as we aren't even three years old and are relatively small, and are doing the town centre proud."

Awards went to: Kendra Hughes, colour and men's cut and finish; Jill Gregg, colour; Stephen Kelly, colour; first and second year blow dry; Michael Brown, first year blow dry; Helen Robinson, go clubbing, put up and bridal.