AN acclaimed hairdresser is celebrating after reaching the semi-finals in a prestigious competition.

Jane Jennings, owner of JJ's Hair Group based in Havelock Street, is a semi-finalist in the L'Oreal Colour Trophy Backstage Live south-west contest, with the competition due to be held in Bristol next month.

The hairdressing guru, who set up JJ’s when she was 23, beat out stiff competition from fellow Swindon snippers to make it through to the semis for the third year running.

Jane created a caramel blonde curly feathered shoulder-length cut with the look completed by her team members, beautician Anthony Salter and stylist and technician Fran Serratore.

Jane said she was delighted to have made it through to the semi-finals once again.

She said:"It is very exciting and to know that I have made it through again is always a huge achievement for me and the team. I feel very proud as I love creating fresh and vibrant colour that is multi-tonal.

"The competition itself is going to be a bit nerve-wracking because you only a short amount of time to complete your look and put everything together but it is always good to test yourself.

"This competition is very high-profile and very special to me and I feel very proud of the team as a whole."

Jane opened JJ’s Hair Studio in 1983 on Highworth’s High Street. As the business expanded Jane moved to new premises in Crombey Street in 1985 before her move to the town centre.

She will battle it out on April 24, with a slot in the national final up for grabs.