A YOUNG stylist at Kidderminster's nationally renowned Lisa Shepherd Midlands hair salon has proved she is a cut above the rest by scooping a major award.

Talented 24-year-old Emma Stevens wowed the judges to win the top Image of the Year prize in the industry's Business and Creative Awards.

She was up against some stiff competition, with 12 finalists short-listed from 143 entries, but the judges gave her entry the thumbs up after she travelled to Australia to do the photo shoot.

They were impressed with the complete image she had produced, reflecting current hair fashion, complemented with clothes and make-up.

"I can't believe I've won this," said Miss Stevens, who has worked at the award-winning Mill Street salon since it opened nearly four years ago, "This award means so much to me and really inspires me to enter further awards.

"Lisa has encouraged me all the way and I am so lucky to be part of her team."

Along with the title, she won £500 and tickets to the British Hairdressing Awards glitzy dinner and awards ceremony in the autumn.

Business development manager, Brenda Robertson, from competition sponsors, Clynol, said: "Emma really deserved this award. Her image was stunning and she was a decisive winner."

She added she was expected to follow in the footsteps of her mentor, Lisa Shepherd, by becoming a future hairdresser of the year winner.