Hair and square: Burnley barber claims national award

Attiq Azam, 32, claimed top prize in the ‘Male Fashion Look On Trend’ category at the annual Britain’s Best event in Warwick, where the Park Lane Hair Studio owner drew on his 16 years of competition experience to wow a raft of judges.

Given 35 minutes to style the hair of a male model as well as designing an accompanying outfit to round out the look, Attiq - who attended Mansfield High School in Brierfield where he now lives - pipped all pretenders to secure top spot on the podium.

“From day one I always had a passion for barbering,” said Attiq. “My uncle, who taught me, always liked competitions, and he was the one who introduced me to them.

“Seven years ago, I stopped going because I had a little one, but I got back into it. I still have the hunger, it’s hard to give up! The passion is always going to be there,” he continued.

Judged on a swathe of factors, including blend, line, the consistency of the cut, the blow-dry, and the hairstyle, a jubilant Attiq said: “I’ll keep going for competitions, keep the hunger alive!”