A WORCESTER hairdresser is a step away from be-ing crowned top of the locks in a national contest.

Jo Ludlow, artistic director at Diva, in Copenhagen Street, is in the finals of the 2007 Guild of Hair-dressers Awards Entries came from across the UK, the judges looking for prestige cutting, col-ouring and finishing skills which represent the leading edge of fashion.

The finalists' names were released this week and Jo was ecstatic to receive the news that an image from her 2007 spring/summer collection has been placed in the grand final. She will now compete against nine other stylists from across the UK for the title.

She said: "To make the national finals is fantastic. I'm over the moon to qualify for the third year running and to once again have my skills recognised at such a significant level.

"Prestige cutting, colouring and finishing skills are paramount at Diva. We also produce photographic collections to highlight the trends of forthcoming seasons, so having an image in the final is great news."

Jo now has to travel to Lincoln, where the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony.