STAFF at the Durham branch of Saks had been shortlisted in several categories at the hair and beauty company's national awards and two of the staff came first in their category.

Kristie Taylor won Skilled Therapist of the Year and Julie Hardwick won Stylist of the Year. They were presented with their awards at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

On Friday, Durham Mayor Ray Gibbon will visit their salon to present them with a letter of merit and to collect raffle prizes donated by the salon for the mayor's ball, which takes place next Saturday.