HAIRDRESSING teams have proved to be a cut above the rest by winning a place in the national finals of a beauty competition.

The Saks teams from Chester-le-Street, in County Durham, and Ripon, North Yorkshire, have won places at the 50th annual L'Oreal Trophy, to be held at Earl's Court, in London on May 16.

At the North-East finals, held at Harrogate International Centre on Wednesday, stylist Kevin Wakefield and make-up artists Layla Clark, of the Chester-le-Street salon, won a place in the final of the Men's Image Award.

Stylist John Goddard, colourist Sarah Flood and make-up artist Janine Rishton, of the Ripon team, will compete for the Colour Trophy.