James Theaker is runner up in British Young Hairdresser of the Year 2010

We were thrilled when James scooped the runners-up spot in the Young Hairdresser of the Year Award recently.

In front of over 5,000 spectators at the Clothes Show Live at the NEC in Birmingham, James took to the stage with 19 other finalists, and only lost out on winning the competition by one point.

Under huge pressure, competitors had to style their models hair live on stage to recreate the photographic image they had sent in as their entry.

The show was presented by television celebrity Gok Wan and the judging panel included some of the top names in British hairdressing, including Mark Leeson, Jamie Stevens and Tim Scott Wright.

The judges, who were looking for a strong, commercial look to reflect current trends, told James they were extremely impressed by work, which incorporated the fashion of short hair and copper tones.

James, senior stylist at out Sadler Gate salon, said: "I was a bit nervous beforehand but once I got out onto the stage and got into it all, I was fine.

"I was shocked enough when they said I was in the top six but when I was announced as runner-up I couldn't believe it.

"I can now tell our customers they are officially getting their hair done by the second best hair stylist in the country!"

James' dad, Mark Scott, said: "Jamie Stevens came out afterwards and said there was only a point in it, and that it had been really difficult to separate James from the winner.

"He said we should be very proud of him because the standard of work in there was so high. And believe me, we are!"