Southwick hairdresser a cut above the rest

Jane Croucher, 43, completed her training in record time and has already opened her own salon.

She said: "I was working five jobs at the time and I had had enough. I think it's all about motivation, really. If you want to get there, you do it."

Jane, of Orchard Close, Southwick, won the Learner Progression award and the Sussex Skills for Product-ivity Alliance Award at the ceremony at the Brighton Hilton Metropole.

Terri Connolly, programme manager at Northbrook College, where Jane completed her training, said: "Jane has shown exemplary commitment and skill.

"We were not surprised when she opened her own salon so soon. She has been so successful that the college now sends our students to her for work experience."

Her salon, Jane's, has now been open for seven months.

Jane said: "It was too good an opportunity to miss, really.

"It was a big step, but I think I would've kicked myself if I hadn't done it."