A ROSSENDALE woman has taken the country’s hairdressing industry by storm after winning a national stylist competition.

Jade Lyons, 23, made her mark in the Schwarzkopf Artistic Team competition in London, beating more than 50 of the best upcoming stylists in the UK.

The hair guru who studied at Haslingden High School, perfected her trade at Freddie's, Bank Street, Rawtenstall, where she has worked for eight years.

She said: “My boss put me forward for the competition and there were a few stages before the final which I had to pass.

“I was really nervous in the final heat in London, but it’s great now I am part of the Schwarzkopf training set up. I will travel the country with the team and get some great training with photo shoots and shows.”

Jade, from Newchurch, had to give a presentation on which hairstyles she thought would be popular this year in front of seven fashion experts.

Freddie Cunliffe, who owns the Bank Street salon, said: “I pushed Jade into the competition because she is a brilliant hair-dresser but she also has academic abilities and strong qualifications.

“When the letter came through the door saying she had been selected as one of the eight members of the team, it was a wonderful moment.

“I’m over the moon with what she has achieved.”

Though Jade has now got a foot firmly on the ladder, she has no plans to open her own business.

She said: “I really like my job here with Freddie’s and I know the things I do with the Schwarzkopf Artistic Team will be really important for my training.

“I want to stay here because I enjoy it a lot.”

Jade will head to London next week for her first training session with the hair-care giant Schwarzkopf.