A HAIR salon has won a top rating from the industry handbook.

The Hair and Beauty Bar has been awarded four stars by the Good Salon Guide, and it's only been open for just over 12 months.

"We were absolutely delighted," said Janet Bradshaw, 39, who co-owns the Widnes salon with her sister Elizabeth Ellis.

"We were not sure what rating we would get but we knew we offered a professional service of experienced girls.

"We don't use girls fresh from college and our customers surveys show people like the professional atmosphere."

The salon was rated by industry assessors who look at staff training and experience, and at the facilities on offer.

A four-star rating means it has 'high standard with latest techniques and is excellent value'.

It also offers manicures and pedicures and can be found at the former location of the historic Widnes pub, The Brown Cow.

Almost 2,000 salons across the country are rated or recognised by the Good Hair Guide.

The guide was set up in 2001 as the hairdressing industry's answer to hotel and restaurant guides.

Janet, a former SS Fisher and Moore pupil from Hale Bank who now lives in Warrington, has also just opened another salon in Edge Lane, Liverpool.