A TALENTED Basingstoke barber proved he is a cut above the rest after picking up an award in a national competition, thanks to his razor-sharp skills.

Daniel Purdue, who co-owns barber shop Raggos, in Shakespeare Road, Popley, was crowned winner of the ‘pattern master’ category at the British Barber’s Association Masters Competition.

The barber sculpted a Versace Medusa into the hair of his friend Billy Head, 27, in a boxing ring, using only a clipper and razor.

He was cheered on by an audience of 2,000 at the contest held in Newport, Wales.

Daniel, 30, said: “I only had 30 minutes to get it done, but I work well under pressure and I felt relaxed.

“I had the design planned out beforehand so I knew what I was doing and fortunately it went really well on the day itself.

“It was great to be in the boxing ring, it was a really good competition.”

Daniel, of Crown Heights, was awarded with a specially designed boxing belt by the British Barber’s Association, for his winning cut.

He is no stranger to competitions, having previously picked up awards for his designs of rappers Kanye West and Rick Ross, as well as an image of Margaret Thatcher which he shaved into someone’s head.

Daniel set up Raggos in 2008 after leaving Basingstoke College of Technology. He said: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”