HAIRSTYLIST Maria Monetti is on her way to being head and shoulders above the rest.

The 22-year-old from Holcombe Brook is one of just six chosen nationwide to become a member of the Clynol Young Protege team where she will learn all the professional tricks of the trade.

Maria, who works for John Peers in Ramsbottom, started her training earlier this month. She spent a weekend in Aylesbury learning skills on how to present herself during seminars and demonstrations in front of other hair stylists and members of the public.

Throughout the year, Maria will be trained to prepare professional models for photo shoots and catwalks.

Maria said: "This is a real opportunity for me. It has put me on the right path on what I really want to do, such as work for magazines."

Later this month, Maria with the rest of the stylists at John Peers, will be leaving for the South of France to check out the latest hair fashions and trends over there, which they will adapt for their clients in the salon.

Andrew Lee, salon owner said: "We are very proud of Maria for being chosen as part of of the Clynol Young Protege team. She will learn so much which will be of great benefit to her clients."