A TALENTED barber from Basingstoke is hoping to become the best in the country when he competes in the final of a national competition this Sunday.

James Bradbury has beat hundreds of hopefuls to make it to the final three in the themed design category of the Barber Awards, run by UK Barber Connect, and will put his creative talents to the test in the competition when he freestyles a design on stage in front of thousands of people.

The 27-year-old, from Popley, has been running his mobile business JSB Barbering for a year-and-a-half, and is used to creating unusual designs for his customers.

The father-of-two said: "There was one customer going to a reggae gig and I did Bob Marley in his hair."

James is travelling to Wales this weekend for the live final, which will be watched by an audience of around 4,500, after discovering on his birthday that he had made the shortlist.

He said: "It's the first time I have ever done something like this, so I'm excited and nervous at the same time."

James taught himself to cut hair, and said: "I started to cut my own hair when I was 15 and picked it up on my own. I love the satisfaction of making people look great and making people look the best they possibly can. I love doing what I do. I'm very creative so it's the best way to show off my talents."

James will create a design on the spot in the final, for the chance of winning the Barber of the Year title and take home £3,000 cash.

  • Watch a video of James below showing how to skin fade and keep a pointed sideburn