Carly Aplin and Joe Nions from Cutting Room Creative ended their L'Oréal Colour Trophy journey on an incredible high as they were crowned winners of the North Eastern Region. The talented team produced an inspired style that looks set to be a big hit with clients in their Chapel Allerton based salon.

Over 1,200 of the world's top hairdressers applauded as Carly and Joe collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and industry luminary Charles Worthington. Stylist Joe and colourist Carly were overwhelmed with the result, speaking moments after they came off stage they said; "So many thoughts were running through our minds as we waited to hear if we had won anything. It hasn't even sunk in yet!"

Talent, drive and determination saw them through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 350 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Regional Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

Cutting Room Creative was one of three teams representing the North Eastern region on the day of the Grand Final. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' they spent 2.5 hours colouring, coiffing and styling their model to perfection before a host of hairdressing legends were brought in to judge their work.

"We did thorough trend research and noticed that summer whites would take different forms next season," explains Carly of her salon's winning look. "We were also inspired by the striking presence of 'boy meets girl' androgyny on the catwalk. We used feminine white in masculine leather, then broke it up with block bright purple as a nod to the A/W collections. We applied vibrant copper on the hair to really play up the violet clothing and coupled it with a boyish cut."  

TV favourites Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Trevor Sorbie were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be the winner. They agreed that the salon team of Carly and Joe met the brief set by L'Oréal Professionnel.

Unaware of their fate, competitors and their supporters made their way to the spectacular Grand Final event at Earls Court 2 where they watched their model stride out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Zoë Irwin for Headmasters and Tim Hartley in addition to an exclusive preview of fashion designer Aimee McWilliams' Autumn/Winter 07 collection.

After a nail-biting wait it was time to reveal the winning team. Upon hearing their name read out there was disbelief then delight. Cutting Room Creative was officially announced winner of the North Eastern Region and the cheers from their supporters could be heard across London!

"It is such an adrenaline rush to hear your name called out," exclaimed Joe. "When we got back to the salon it was filled with balloons and all of our clients are delighted to hear the good news. We will be enjoying the excitement of this achievement for weeks!"