A Leigh hair stylist has scooped the prestigious Men's British Hairdresser of the Year Award 2000 title.

Adee Phelan, 27, a stylist at Stafford's in London Road, beat off stiff competition to win the title at the awards held in London's plush Grosvenor House Hotel.

After winning the award he admitted he was inspired by Lee Stafford, who runs the salon, as he won the very same award just three years ago.

Adee, who joined Stafford's as a junior six years ago, said: "I can't believe it - it is absolutely amazing. Three years ago Lee came to the awards and won the very same title and he got me up on stage with him. Lee's win inspired me and I saw how this award changed his life."

Adee, from Shorefield Gardens, Westcliff, took the unusual decision to model his own styles in a collection of e-fit type photographs which caught the eye of the judges.

Since being shortlisted for the award, he has been inundated with interest from the industry and business deals.

The title marks another big win for Stafford's.

Lee has already scooped a lucrative deal to become This Morning's resident hairdresser when he topped a national phone vote to replace celebrity stylist Nicky Clarke on the daily ITV show.

Presenter Judy Finnegan has already dubbed Lee the Naked Hairdresser, following in the footsteps of the Naked Chef - Essex boy Jamie Oliver.

Simply the best - hairdresser Adee Phelan

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.