HAIRDRESSERS in north-west Durham have adopted a scheme designed to guarantee high standards.

Derwentside 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 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 required.

"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 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 re-apply to ensure that a high standard is consistently maintained.

A formal presentation ceremony will be held at Consett Civic Centre for successful salons.

The event will coincide with European Health and Safety Week, which starts on Monday, October 13.

The closing date for applications is Friday, August 29.

Salons interested in the scheme should contact (01207) 218313 for further information.