AWARD-winning young stylist Tom Gilling can now boast of being a hairdresser to the stars.

Tom, 22, of Golcar, is celebrating after becoming the Umberto Giannini Project X Young Hairdresser of the Year.

Tom, who goes by the professional name Jamie, has worked for the Mark Riley salon in Huddersfield since he was 13.

Tom joined the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Project X, billed as “the ultimate hairdressing finishing school”, and won the top student award.

During his training in London Tom got to brush shoulders with the stars.

He helped fix the hair of models for various fashion shows and photo shoots.

As part of the team at the London Lingerie Show he styled the hair of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Tom.

“I only found out I was doing Sarah’s hair at the last minute so I didn’t get chance to be nervous.

“I gave her a blow dry and classic tong set. It was all go, go, go.”

Tom started out sweeping the floor at Mark Riley’s and passed his NVQ before leaving Colne Valley High School.

“My ambition is to be a creative stylist in London,” he said. “I have made a lot of contacts.”