THREE local hairstylists are a cut above the rest as they scoop top awards at a prestigious hair show.

Owner and manager of Brynmawr's Beattie's & Co barbers, James Beattie, and two members of his team scooped two first place, three second place and two third place awards at the National Hairdressers' Federation British Hairdressing Championship.

Mr Beattie, 25, came out on top in the men's clipper cut category, as well as second in the men's cut and finger style and men's fashion award. He said, "I'm just over the moon. My staff have done Brynmawr proud and it's great to put our little town on the map!"

Held in the Cardiff City Stadium earlier this month, the awards pitted 153 entrants from across the UK in 22 categories.

Ryan Kinsella, 16, a trainee stylists at the barbers picked up third places in men's fashion on long hair and men's cut and finger style and pipped his boss to top spot in the men's fashion award.

Stylist Amber Watson, 18, landed second place in men's fashion on long hair.

Mr Beattie added, ""I'm really impressed, we've put all the hours in and I'm really happy the amount of effort Amber and Ryan put in to it all. They've done really well in the biggest competition in Britain and we want to thank everyone who helped along the way."