A HAIR stylist from Chipping Campden is celebrating this week after winning the Wales and South West category of the Hairdresser of the Year awards.

Martin Crean, who owns Mode hair salon, in Lapstone, walked off with the title at the Hairdressers' Journal International 30th hairdressing awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, the awards were presented by the executive director of Hairdressers Journal International, Jayne Lewis-Orr and television personality, James Corden.

The black-tie award ceremony brought together the best in the hairdressing industry to celebrate the best of British creativity. Each year professionals from all over the UK showcase their skills and love for their craft in photographic entries. There are nine regional categories covering all areas of the UK and six specialist categories that recognise the skills required in specific disciplines. These include Afro, Artistic Team, Avant Garde, Newcomer, Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and the Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year.

For Martin Crean, it was a defining moment in his professional life when his name was announced by James Corden.

“British hairdressers are internationally renowned for their creativity, originality and innovation, and we are proud that the British Hairdressing Awards continue to celebrate this,” said Jayne Lewis-Orr. “It has been inspiring on this special anniversary to see the standard of entries in all categories exceeding high expectations. Congratulations to Martin Crean and all the 2014 winners who truly are the best of British.”