STYLISTS from Knutsford salon Saks have won sought-after places in the semi-finals of major awards.

Paula Wood, the franchisee at the Minshull Street salon, senior stylist Estelle Smith and principal stylist Emma Smith are bidding for success in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award 2019 and L'Oréal Mens Image Award.

They will go head to head with salons at the north west regional semi-final on April 2 at the Camp and Furnace in Liverpool.

Paula said: “We are lost for words that all three of us have made it to the semi-finals; it’s been an amazing year so far.”

In the first round hundreds of photographic images from across the country were judged by the most influential names in hairdressing, including British Hairdresser of the Year Sally Brooks, Charlotte Mensah and Jamie Stevens, as well as hairdressing icons Errol Douglas and Charles Worthington.

The Saks team fought off stiff competition, and was chosen to go through to the next round, which will see them look create an inspirational, contemporary colour, complemented by trend-driven styling and finish.

The team of judges will be looking for work that is exceptionally executed and technically precise.

At each regional semi-final six successful teams will be announced, two of which are guaranteed to compete at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy final in June, as well announcing who will go forward to the shortlisted judging stage.

The L’Oréal Colour Trophy semi-finalists are in with a chance to win the final prize of national media exposure, a European trip to shoot their winning look and an exclusive feature with a top consumer title.