Kimberley Akaloo winged her way to the top in Uppercut Hair Group’s “trainee of the year” competition with this unusual style.

The competition asked trainees to create a hair and outfit on the theme of blockbuster films – and Kimberley’s “Black Swan” tribute beat off competition from 14 other trainees with designs ranging from grinches to mad hatters.

“I can’t believe I’ve won,” said Kimberley, who works at the Gants Hill branch and attends the academy in Romford. ‘Black Swan’ is one of my favourite films so it was an easy choice when we were given the theme.

“My cousin Hannah Warman agreed to be my model and I’ve been practising the hairstyle and makeup for months. On the day of the competition it took more than three hours to create but it was well worth it.”

Last week’s prizegiving, held at the Uppercut academy in Romford, was attended by 80 staff and judged by one representative from each of the firm’s six salons.