There were cheers and tears of delight as Maria O'Keefe was crowned queen of the catwalk having won the L'Oréal Colour Trophy, hairdressing's most fashionable award. The talented hairdresser was overall winner of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2007 and her 1920's inspired style looks set to be a hit with clients at her Covent Garden based salon.

Over 1,200 of the world's top hairdressers gave a standing ovation as Maria collected her award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and Mr Jean-Jaques Lebel, President Professional Products Division Worldwide. Speaking moments after she came off stage, it was clear that the enormity of her achievement would take a while to sink in, "I'm absolutely speechless," said Maria, clearly delighted.

Talent, drive and determination saw her 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 Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

The win means that Maria has hit the big time in hairdressing and will now pick up a prize package that includes a five star all expenses paid trip to New York, a photo spread with fashion bible Vogue and numerous opportunities that will boost her profile.

On the day of the Grand Final Maria represented the London region and was among 27 teams from across the UK vying for the top spot in the L'Oréal Colour Trophy. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' competitors 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. TV favourites Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Trevor Sorbie were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be the winner.

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 Headmasters and Tim Hartley in addition to an exclusive preview of fashion designer Aimee McWilliams' Autumn/Winter 07 collection.

As the competition headed towards its dramatic conclusion, Sanrizz got their first taste of success as they were announced winners of the London region. With two other team's competing in other award categories, there was more success to come as Leonardo Rizzo from the Guildford salon scooped the title of Southern Regional Winner and Leanne Brown from the Knightsbridge salon was announced as the L'Oréal Men's Image Runner-up.

When it was time to reveal the winning team and they heard their name called again, there was disbelief then delight as Sanrizz boss Tony Rizzo did a dance all the way down the catwalk. "I was so pleased just to win the region," exclaimed Maria. "This has been an incredible night - not only for myself, but for Sanrizz. To get three wins is absolutely amazing, we are all so happy."

Despite stiff competition, the judges unanimously agreed that Maria had produced a look that truly reflected the Autumn/Winter 07/08 catwalk trends.

Maria will now begin her year-long journey as the winner of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy and is clearly relishing the opportunities that lie ahead. "To have your work featured in Vogue is the ultimate achievement - it's the crème de la crème. I am very, very excited about the future and can't wait to get started!"

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