A HAIRDRESSER has won a prestigious national award which means her hair salon is recognised as one of the best of its kind in the country.

Lucy Owen, of Toni & Guy in Marlow, won the title of UK Franchise Director of the Year at the 2005 Tony & Guy Business Awards ceremony in London. Mrs Owen, who opened the salon in the High Street in 2003, was awarded for top customer service and client request rates as well as other aspects of the salon apart from just hairdressing itself. She said: "I'm over the moon really."

Mrs Owen, 28, of Prestwood, who is currently on maternity leave from work, accepted the award on Sunday, June 19, where she was greeted by the co-founding directors of Toni & Guy.