STAFF at a small hair salon on the outskirts of Durham City are celebrating after winning two top prizes in a competition.

Jaclyn Jordan and Gemma Hamilton, both 18, work as Modern Apprentices at Suma Hairdressing in Langley Moor as modern apprentices, through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) County Durham.

In a photographic styling contest, organised by Durham Training Academy for the LSC, Jaclyn won top prize in the NVQ level two category and Gemma took the level three award.

Salon owner Lorraine Martin said: "We are a small salon and would have been thrilled to win one prize in the face of so much talented competition, but to have taken both top prizes is a wonderful surprise."

The girls had to create the hairstyle and select clothes for their model suitable for their style.

Jaclyn, from Meadowfield, near Durham, said: "I have always wanted to be a hairdresser and the apprenticeship has given me the chance to get the qualifications I need while earning and gaining practical, hands-on, experience."

Peter McDermott, of Durham Training Academy, said: "We had more than 60 high quality entries from modern apprentices all over County Durham so the girls at Suma have done really well to scoop both top prizes.