A Dorchester hair salon owner will be flying the flag for Dorset as she travels north for a prestigious awards ceremony today.

Kayleigh Shuttlewood has opened the vegan-friendly Delilahs at 52 High East Street after deciding to 'bite the bullet' and open her own business.

The 26-year-old, from Dorchester, has another reason to celebrate as she has also been nominated for Hair Stylist of the Year at The Official UK Hair and Beauty Awards in Birmingham on Saturday, April 22.

Ms Shuttlewood said she is looking forward to taking to the red carpet and feeling like a celebrity for the night as she joins other hairdressers at the lavish ceremony.

Her nomination, which has seen her voted within the top ten in her district, comes just after the Dorchester woman decided to open her own salon in the town centre, promising to offer something different to the others.

All products used and food and drink is vegan friendly, with a key emphasis on sustainability.

Ms Shuttlewood plans to open officially next Saturday (April 29) with some prosecco and food but has already been welcoming some of her loyal clients into the Dorchester salon.

"I am excited and hope I win," she told the Dorset Echo. "They do them every year for hair and beauty and this is the first time I have entered.

"I live across the road [from the salon] and the one I was previously working at shut down so I came to look at the property, so I bit the bullet and went for it."

Ms Shuttlewood added: "All of our tea and coffee are made with oat milk and it gives that different option to other salons.

"This is my first venture on my own and I am so pleased I have done it."

Delilahs is named in memory of Ms Shuttlewood's daughter who was tragically stillborn, and she added she was 'proud' to be up for the awards this week.

She will also be flying the flag for Dorchester as she steps out in front of the cameras in the Midlands. 

"It makes me feel proud of all my hard work and years of training," she said. "When we arrive we get to walk the red carpet and there will be cameras there and everything.

"It will just be a great experience seeing everyone else and hairdressers all over the country."