There were cheers and tears of delight as Marc Eastlake and Jody Quinn took second place in the L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image Award at the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy, the world's longest running, most stylish hair competition.

The talented team realised their dreams and created an award winning look that drew its influence from texture, colour and metallics. Their vision is set to be a big hit with style conscious male clients in their Goffs Oak-based salon.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers gave a standing ovation as Marc and Jody collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton. Speaking moments after they came off stage, it was clear that the enormity of their achievement would take a while to sink in, "We are delighted with the result,” said Marc.

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, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

On the day of the Grand Final Marc and Jody represented the London region and were among just seven teams from across the UK vying for the top spot in the L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image Award. 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.

Hair Gods Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Errol Douglas 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 at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British hairdressing. They watched with pride as their model stepped out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwab's Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

As the competition headed towards its dramatic conclusion, Marc and Jody were on tenterhooks as they waited to hear their fate. When it was time to reveal the winning team and they heard their name called, there was disbelief then delight as Marc explains;

"Winning the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy in 2006 has made us very passionate about the competition and we are very proud of the look we created.”

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