Hairdresser proves a cut above.

A hairdresser has beaten off stiff competition to win a national award which recognises her work in making her salon accessible to the disabled.

Janet Maitland, of Janet Maitland Hair Excellence in Durham, picked up the top prize in the health, hair and beauty category of the Department for Work and Pensions' Access All Areas Awards.

The entrepreneur has completely re-designed her Gilesgate premises with the installation of ramps, wider doorways, a disabled toilet and even a portable washbasin for clients who can't use the standard chairs.

The judges were impressed with the physical alterations made to the company's flagship Durham salon but also the attitude of Janet and her team. Ms Maitland said: "Janet Maitland Hair Excellence has always been founded on shared passions and I wanted to create a company with a culture of social inclusion. This could only be made possible with positive action and an ongoing education programme and I am especially proud that our efforts have now gained national recognition. It makes good business sense to open up the business to disabled customers."

Jenny Hall, from Durham, is one customer who is extremely happy with the access improvements made to the salon. She said: "It's not just the fact that there is so much more room to move around, it's more the salon atmosphere and exceptionally well-trained staff."