AN UP-AND-COMING barber from Blaenau Gwent has scooped a top prize in the Salon Cymru awards this weekend with a look worthy of the hit TV show Peaky Blinders.

17-year-old Declan Williams, from Brynmawr, created a slick look for his model which wowed the judges in the Barbering category. His brief had been to create a gents cut inspired by the popular TV show which was set in 1920s Birmingham.

Mr Williams is an apprentice at Beatties & Co in Brynmawr and was visibly shocked to come out on top at the prestigious competition.

He said: “I did put quite a bit of research in and deliberately chose a model that suited the Peaky Blinders theme – he’s got a unique look! I practised for a few weeks too to make sure I got it right. It’s been a bit intense but I’ve loved it.”

Mr Williams' apprenticeship at Beatties puts him at the heart of the local community. He chose to enter Salon Cymru because he saw it as a great platform to network and to get his work seen.

The event, which is now in its 20th year, is organised by Bridgend-based ISA Training, Wales’ largest independent hair and beauty training provider.

Held at Cardiff University’s Student’s Union, Y Plas, around 500 spectators attended the event which was compered by BBC Wales broadcaster Lucy Owen.

The nine competitions of the day showcased the talents or more than 130 apprentice hairdressers, barbers, and make-up artists.

The judging panel was made up of expert and international award-winning hairdressers and make-up artists, including Steven Smart, Nick Williams, Debra Smart, Sue Brackstone, Anthony Connors-Roberts and Ffion Caddick.

Jude Holloway, Chief Operating Officer for ISA Training’s parent company, Educ8, said: “Today we saw some of the very best work-based learning in action. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the new generation to showcase their talents. They have worked exceptionally hard to be here and have seen what it’s like to work under pressure. I hope everyone who took part found it inspiring and rewarding.”

The competition sponsors were: Wella Professionals, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Creative Excellence, Andrew Price Group, Concept Hair, City & Guilds, VTCT, Pro Care, Duncan Foulkes Public Relations Ltd, Berry Smith Lawyers, The Warehouse Hair & Beauty Supplies and Heduc8.