A KIDDERMINSTER hairdresser has reached the final of a national contest.

Clare Hatherill, who works at Elizabeth and Giovanni’s salon in Hurcott Road, has been named in the shortlist for the National Hairdressers’ Federation (NHF) Photographic Stylist of the Year competition.

Her entry in the Ladies Fashion Look category is now in with a chance of being crowned overall winner at the NHF Britain’s Best event on Sunday, November 16.

Miss Hatherill, who completed her level two NVQ in hairdressing at Kidderminster College, said: “I was really, really excited when I found out I had made the shortlist and I could not believe it.

“The photo shoot worked out perfectly for me but I still didn’t expect to get through at all.”

Paul Curry, president of the NHF, said: “This year’s Photographic Stylist of the Year competition has been the most popular ever so my congratulations go to all our shortlisted stylists.

“Whether you’re eventually a winner or runner up, to have made it this far in a competition where the standards have been so high is a huge achievement.”

Miss Hatherill styled the hair of model Abi Downs, who also happens to be her best friend, while professional photographer Paul Gill snapped the end product.

The photograph was critiqued by a panel of judges who, after whittling down hundreds of entries, named Miss Hatherill in the top three.