Alternate in Buxton will be representing the North West Region at the L'Oréal Men's Image Award Grand Final this year, after their perfectly executed entry impressed the judges beyond all other entrants from the region. Anna Haywood created a striking, clean-cut school-boy look complemented by technically excellent colouring and completed by a smooth finish.

"I wanted to create really matt colour for the hair and blended blue-black with flashes of peach and gold" explained Anna in reference to her winning creation, "Inspiration came from the chic, suited looks that prevailed in the sixties and the overall look is mummy's boy with a mischievous twist."

Alternate are delighted with their success so far and the girls will be practising intensively prior to the final stage of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2007 - a live Grand Final judged by industry leading hairdressers taking place in May at London's Earls Court 2.

"I never expected to win tonight," said a stunned Anna. "The salon has only been open since November 2006 so to think we've done so well with all these amazing salons competing is just unbelievable. It's a massive boost for my own confidence and for the business."