A YOUNG Teesside hairdresser is celebrating after being named among the best new talent in the business.
Andrew Morris, 19, who works at Stockton salon Holga, made it through to the final of the Clynol Business and Creative Awards - which showcase talented individuals from the profession.
Andrew was one of six stylists from across the UK in the Young Creative Talent Of The Year Award.
And although not taking the overall title, he was named one of the top five young creative stars in the country.
The success comes just as Andrew, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, has completed his three-year apprenticeship in hairdressing.
Andrew, who trained with Middlesbrough-based BL Hairdressing, studied GCSEs at Macmillan Academy before deciding to take the hairdressing career path.
"It was through my own hairdresser - at Holga's Middlesbrough salon - that I got interested in the profession," says Andrew.
"Now I've finished my training I'm building my own list of clients.
For the Young Creative Talent Award Andrew had to submit a mood board to show every aspect of a fashion shoot - including hairstyle, hair colour, clothing, make-up, location, lighting and photographic style.
Andrew caught the eyes of the Clynol judges with his gothic/grunge creation - which earned him a trip to the awards at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Manchester.
Other awards presented included Salon Interior, Salon Website, Trainee and Colour Hotshot of the year.
"It's the first competition I've ever entered and I can't wait to do more," says Andrew.
"It's given me a real confidence boost and photo shoots and creative sessions are something I'd love to get into in the long term.
"It's great to be able to do looks that are more avant garde.