THIS one definitely makes the cut: A salon located in an alleyway off the high street has been crowned the Bridport News Hairdresser of the Year.

Alley Cuts, just off South Street, was voted the best salon in the area by Bridport News readers

Owner, Helen Townsend, has been running Alley Cuts for 19 years.

She said: "We're all really excited, we weren't expecting to win at all.

"We want to thank everyone who has taken the time out of their day to vote for us.

"We're only a small salon with just three staff members so it's mad that we won. Everyone was really happy when we found out."

It's been a difficult 18 months for Alley Cats, and all hairdressers and barbers, having to close on three occasions as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns and having to adapt to the rules and restrictions at any given time.

Helen said: "It's been a difficult time for us, as it has for everyone, we were closed for long periods of time and when we were able to open we had to wear full PPE and adapt the salon to fit the new rules.

"Added to that it was so busy and no one had been able to get a haircut for however many months, but everyone was really supportive.

"I definitely didn't think it would go on for as long as it did so it was a frustrating time not knowing when we might have to close or be able to reopen."

She added: "We've been doing really well since the last lockdown. We've had to adjust again and change the way we operate but it does feel now like we're definitely back up and running."