A MOTHER and daughter duo in Urmston have been shortlisted as some of the best hairdressers in the north west.

Laura and Ria Kulik of The HairBank on Station Road made the shortlist for North Western Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards.

The awards, organised by monthly magazine Hairdressers Journal (HJ), are 'a celebration of hairdressing excellence'.

Laura said: "I’m delighted to be a finalist.

"It's such an honour to be shortlisted alongside such incredible talent.

"We're confident our photographic collection showcases our skillset and imagination, and we hope to bring the trophy home to Manchester," she added.

Hairdressers from across the regions of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were invited to submit four photos to show their skills to judges.

Those on the shortlist, including Laura and Ria, now need to submit another two photos to complete their collections.

A panel of more than 100 leading hairdressers will scrutinise all the collections, before the winners are announced at a black tie ceremony in November.

Jayne Lewis-Orr, executive director of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, said: "These awards recognise the very best of British hairdressing talent, celebrating the artistry, expertise and passion of individuals from across the country.

"In reaching the finals, Laura and Ria have demonstrated that they are accomplished and gifted stylists with an impeccable eye for detail.

"Every year, this competition gets tougher as the standard of entries improves.

"Both Laura and Ria should feel incredibly proud to be recognised at this level."