A ROSSENDALE hairdresser is is proving to be a cut above the rest after snipping her way into the finals of a prestigious award.

Christine Moffatt, 45, owner of Headmasters, Bacup Road, Waterfoot, has reached the final judging stages of the National training Awards.

Entries are judged in three stages, first, entries from across the UK are analysed by a panel of assessors. Successful entries at this stage continue to a judging panel based in their region before going to the finals.

Out of the 800 people who entered, finalists represent the top 20 percent of entries received across the UK.

Christine's congratulating letter from the chief executive of UK Skills, Linda Ammon said: "The quality and standard of entries has been very high this year and you have achieved a great deal to reach the finalist stage of the awards."

Chris and Christine Moffatt established the business in 1978, which was shortly followed by a range of training schemes from Master Colour Award to level three NVQs.

They have already received the Investors in People accreditation: "This has really put us back on our feet," Christine said. "It has given us the direction and focus we needed. We are looking forward to going to the finals, it is a great achievement just to get so far."