A NORTH Yorkshire hairdresser is celebrating after being recognised as one of the UK’s top stylists.

Joseph Ferraro, who has two salons in Harrogate, has been crowned North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards in London.

Australian-born Mr Ferraro has been a finalist in the prestigious awards almost every year since 2010.

But this year the father-of-one, who opened his first salon in Harrogate ten years ago, went one better to take the title.

“This is the fifth time lucky for me and to be finally crowned North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year is just fantastic,” said Mr Ferraro, who lives in the spa town.

“I have worked incredibly hard over the years to get to this position – and been supported by my brilliant team at Joseph Ferraro Hair, as well as my wonderful wife Lesley.

“I feel extremely grateful to be part of such a talented industry – and am delighted to have been chosen as one of the best hairdressers in the UK,” he said.

The British Hairdressing Awards are known as the “Oscars” of the industry and have launched the careers of many well-known names, including Jamie Stevens, Andrew Barton, Nicky Clarke and John Frieda.