Verity Faichen and Amy Almond from Daniel Gray Hairdressing ended their L'Oréal Colour Trophy journey on an incredible high as they were crowned winners of the North Western Region. The talented team produced a stunning sixties inspired style that looks set to be a big hit with clients in their Kendal based salon.

Over 1,200 of the world's top hairdressers applauded as Verity and Amy collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and industry luminary Charles Worthington. Stylist Verity and colourist Amy were overwhelmed with the result, speaking moments after they came off stage they said; "This is unbelievable, we have worked so hard. It's a dream come true."

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.

Daniel Gray Hairdressing was one of three teams representing the North Western 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.

Verity and Amy explain the thinking behind their striking image: "Having studied the catwalks, we felt that the boy-meets-girl look was going to be really big. We gave the classic bob a twist and took it to the next level to create a highly individual, page-boy style that is reminiscent of sixties icon Twiggy."

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 Verity and Amy 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. Daniel Gray Hairdressing was officially announced winner of the North Western Region and the cheers from their supporters could be heard across London!

"We have never made it this far in the competition with a women's look," explains salon owner Daniel Gray. "The win has given us the confidence to go and achieve even more in our competition work. We always knew we had the ability but this reaffirms every belief. It's an incredible feeling."

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