A Keighley hairdressing salon has proved to be a cut above the rest by gaining the highest accolade in a top guide.

Streets Ahead has proved to be just that by becoming the first salon in Keighley to be awarded a five star rating by the Good Salon Guide.

Owner Tony Walsh--- who started up the business 18 years ago in Henry Street -- says he is delighted with the award.

He says: "This really puts us alongside other salons in cities across the country and especially those in London.

"To think we could get four stars was great but to be awarded the five is just absolutely brilliant.

"To be awarded the five stars you have to have good client care and all the stylists have to be fully qualified, with 70 per cent or more required to have an advanced accreditation.

"Your work has to be of a high standard and you have to produce photographic work for national magazines.

"There are also health and safety standards which you must conform to, and you must have the usual insurance policy to ensure the client is protected.

"Training is also a vital element, and we are a City and Guilds accredited training centre."

Due to the success of the original salon, Tony and wife Nuala decided to move across Henry Street to larger premises five years ago.

The salon is now staffed by 12 stylists and five trainees and attracts customers from near and far, including a couple of ex-pats in Vietnam who drop in for a cut whenever they are back in town.

Tony says the Good Salon Guide has become hairdressing's answer to the AA's grading system for hotels.