A HAIR salon has been crowned the best in the south east during an annual awards ceremony.

Cabello, in Newland Street, Witham, claimed gold in the Salon of the Year category at the British Hair and Beauty Awards 2020.

It also won gold in the best new business category and bronze in the top rated salon segment.

The salon was asked to present evidence of its work to judges, including its customer service initiatives and data on business growth.

This year's awards had to move online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Owner Kat Berale said: "I was so excited, I jumped up and shouted ‘we got gold'.

"The Cabello team are so happy that we have had the opportunity to showcase our expertise and to win three awards, was just the cherry on the cake.

"To win these awards just a few days before re-opening really brought our mojo back and we were itching to open again."

The salon reopened on July 4 and Kat says staff and customers have quickly adjusted to new social distancing measures put in place.

Cabello is also doing its bit during the pandemic by giving away goody bags to NHS staff and key workers.

It will also be donating 10 per cent of sales to the NHS and has donated 100 natural deodorants to ambulance staff.