WITH the job market more competitive now than ever, it's important to remain creative on approach.

Whilst most people submit a CV and a covering letter, one Ryedale man decided that he would get creative when he saw a job advertised for a hair stylist at K.M.S Hair by Design, Kirkbymoorside.

"I was for many years a sheep shearer in New Zealand, I have been a doctor so am used to cutting things off and have a style all of my own so am known to my friends as a stylist," Chris Jones, of Moorwax Candlemakers, Hutton-le-Hole wrote in his cover letter.

"I am not a pheasant plucker but I am a pheasant plucker's son and so I think I am suitable for the job of stylist as advertised in your salon."

Chris, 65, who has been going to the salon since it opened 15 years ago, said that he likes to keep the staff entertained with various letters and couldn't resist the chance to submit an application when he saw the notice in the salon.

He said: "I have been visiting the salon since the first week they opened 15 years ago and I just like practical jokes and when I saw the advert I couldn't resist.

"I have written a few letters over the years and it's a nice hairdressers and I really enjoy going there."

Owner Sue Carter said that Chris' application had provided amusement for the staff and when he came in to have his hair cut she couldn't resist offering him a trial.

She said: "He came in and I couldn't resist having a joke him and asked him to wash my hair. It was very invigorating that's all I can say. It provided us with some laughs whilst we were celebrating our 15th anniversary celebrations as well."