HAIRDRESSERS in Derwentside are out to prove they are a cut above the rest, with a new accreditation scheme.

The district council's environmental health officers have teamed up with the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia), to launch a health and safety award for salons.

Jeni Carson, proprietor of Talking Heads salon in Lanchester, is the first successful salon to be accepted for the award, after an inspection by environmental health officer Vicki Jackson-Hopps.

Ms Carson said: "Having undergone a routine health and safety inspection from Derwentside District Council I realised that my salon already met most of the criteria.

"Vicki was very helpful and advised me of the areas requiring improvement in order to obtain the award. I think this is a good way of promoting health and safety and recognising good standards without being too difficult to achieve."

The award aims to encourage hairdressers to improve health and safety standards and will be presented to any salon that can demonstrate good practice.

Successful applicants will receive the award for one year, after which they will have to reapply to ensure that a high standard is maintained.

A formal presentation ceremony will be held at Consett Civic Centre for the successful salons, to coincide with European Health and Safety Week, starting on October 13.

Coun Walter Armstrong, the district council's portfolio holder for municipal services, said: "The council acknowledges that most salons within Derwentside already operate to high standards of health and safety. This award is formal recognition of this and will ultimately lead to greater client confidence."

The closing date for applications is Friday, August 29. Interested salons should call (01207) 218313.