A LLANDYBIE barber has made it through to the final of Europe’s largest Barber Exhibitions.

Matthew Guerin fought off 120 entrants to make it into the top three of the UK Barber Battle freestyle section at Barber Connect, an event which provides barbers with a unique opportunity to showcase their work with exciting live competitions.

The competition is set to take place on Sunday, June 26 at the Celtic Manor in Newport.

Matthew has been passionate about becoming a barber for over 10 years and after originally being self-taught, he undertook a course at Coleg Sir Gar and became officially qualified two years ago.

The 29-year-old said: “Last year I got through to the Top 10 of the competition. I decided to re-enter the competition three months ago and I recently found out that I have made the top three, and I will be going head to head with two other barbers on stage.

“It is a massive achievement to get this far and it is my chance to get myself well known in the industry. I was pleased to get into the top 10 last year, but now I've got into the top three, I want to win the whole competition.”

After previously winning awards such as Salon Cymru National Welsh Hair and Beauty Award Barber 2015, WAHL Detailed Patterns competition 2015, Matthew is determined to make a lasting impression.

He added: “I entered the competition using the haircut I cut on a local model, and I am cutting the hair of a customer called Dylan Parry live on stage for the competition.

“The winner gets equipment from clipper brand WAHL, and it will really give the business excellent recognition.

The barber has recently opened a new salon, Guerin’s Barbers, on Arthur Street in Tirydail, and the owner says the business is booming.

Matthew said: “As well as a walk in system, customers can also book an appointment online which is always fully booked with a rare few spots available on a Wednesday.

“With great styling advice and a good range of styling products on offer, the business is doing well and I'm looking forward to showing what I can do at the competition.”