A RUNCORN trainee hairdresser has proved she is a cut above the rest after reaching the final of a reality TV show.

Mum-of-two Katie Crompton was pipped at the post in her quest to be crowned the best British amateur hair stylist in the BBC Three TV competition, Hair.

But the experience has spurred her to launch her own business.

Katie, aged 31, from Halton Village, said: “It’s been brilliant. I couldn’t have done better. It was a chance to be as creative as I wanted to be.

“I’ve never put myself under that type of pressure before. Now I know I can cope.

“From the experiene and judges’ feedback, I’m more of a perfectionist.”

Katie has teamed up with her friend, Annemarie Heckingbottom, also a student at Riverside College, to open a unique salon.

Runcorn mum-of-two Annemarie, aged 31, of Beechwood, whose sons are aged six and one, will help her to create ‘Cherry Bomb!’, a ‘one stop shop’ offering hairdressing, beauty and fashion.

Katie, who has two daughters, Daisy, aged four, and Poppy, aged two, has a fashion degree and used to design sportswear for Reebox.

She added: “I feel very excited. We’ll give women the chance to get their make up and hair done ready to go out.

“We also hope to sell clothes.

“We plan to take on established stylists so that we can finish our level three at college on day release.”

They are now looking for premises and hope to open their new business in the summer.