A HAIR salon in Canterbury has become the first hairdresser's in Kent to win a top work experience award.

Richard Allen, in Lower Bridge Street, has been praised for organising a high quality programme for students from local schools.

Owner Richard Allen received the Kent and Medway Education Business Alliance award from MP Julian Brazier.

The presentation was attended by Richard Allen staff, who supported the programme, staff and students from local schools who took part and representatives from Canterbury and Swale Education Business Partnership and the Learning Skills Centre.

Dina Moore, the consultant who undertook the company's assessment for the award, was also at the presentation.

Mr Allen said it took a year to gain and involved a great deal of work. "It gives the students a real taste of what working life is like," he said.

"I am very proud of my staff. One trainee took the students through health and safety and equal opportunities and they benefit as well as the pupils.

"The work experience students become more confident as they work through the structured programme and it is amazing to see the changes. I wish more employers would get involved in it."