Staff members of an Ammanford based barbers have been recognised for their styling ability at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Guerin Barbers owner and head educator Mathew Guerin, from Llandybie, entered three of his staff members into the National Hair and Beauty level 2 barber competition run by Salon Cymru last week.

The hairdressing and beauty competition was held at Y Plas, Cardiff University Students Union on Sunday, April 30.

Salon Cymru is the Showcase Component of the ISA Training Brand and every year 500 hairdressing enthusiasts arrive to participate in the eagerly anticipated beauty competition of the year.

The competition is open to all apprentices of any level.

Nick Lewis, who is working at Guerins Llandeilo based at the hangout coffee bar, has only been working for the business for two months but ended up walking away with first prize at his first ever competition after achieving 87 points.

Guerins Ammanford colleague Fraser Thomas also managed to scoop third prize at the competition, just behind with 83 points and missing out on second place by just one point.

Mathew said: "I worked really hard training my barbers and handing over as much of my competition experience as I could to prepare them for the event.

"Fraser left his last employer because he didn’t feel as if he was learning or progressing and joined the Guerins team to challenge his ability and become a better all-round barber.

"Winning third prize is a huge achievement which has left him hungry for more.

"Nick and Fraser will be competing at the Welsh Championships this Sunday, May 14 to try and maintain their winning streak.”

Also Helen O’Rouke, who is a hairdresser at The Room based at Guerins Ammanford entered the competition with little experience and finished in seventh place climbing the table ahead of some the experienced barbers at the hand standard event.

Mathew added: "Helen only received a week’s one to one training with me ahead of the competition and she did a fantastic job in the competition.

"I am very proud of all three competitors and I’m excited about the future of Guerins Barbers and creating more successful competitors."