A hair and beauty salon which has only been open for just over two years has been awarded one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

The owners of ‘Sleek and Unique’ in Alexandria’s Hillview Place, Paul Haggerty and Charlene Mooney, were thrilled to be named ‘Most Wanted Salon 2018’ at the recent Scottish Hair and Beauty awards ceremony which was held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.

Charlene, 32, has been a hairdresser for 16 years and her partner Paul manages the business. They also have two boys together, Connor and Nathan, aged five and eight.

Paul, 32, who worked as a skipper on the Celtic Warrior at Cameron House Marina before becoming self-employed, jumped at the opportunity of them being able to run their own salon when they got the chance.

But they knew they’d need to offer something different because there was a lot of competition with nine other hair salons in the same street alone.

The entrepreneurial pair came up with the idea of a games room for children with an Xbox, toys and Netflix, late night opening one night a week, a free glass of wine on ‘Merlot Thursdays’ as well as pampering parties for children and make-up lessons.

They also offer spray tans, acrylic nails, make-up and beauty therapy.

In their first year of business the couple had already received the five-star award from the Good Salon Guide.

This year they were nominated by customers and members of the public as finalists in the ‘Most Wanted Salon’ category, along with nine other salons from across Scotland.

They sent off supporting evidence for why they should win and then waited eagerly for the judges to decide.

Paul said: “We aimed high from the start with the salon because we wanted to offer a unique customer experience.

“To be nominated for the ‘Most Wanted Salon’ category was a real shock because we hadn’t really publicised it.

“We kept all our fingers and toes crossed and I honestly couldn’t believe it when they announced us as the winner.

“It’s down to the commitment and hard work of all the girls in the salon, because they really are the best at what they do and if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have been there.”