A TEENAGE therapist has beaten off tough competition to win a national award.

Lisa Fury, aged 19, has been awarded the Northern Skills Therapist of The Year, which is open to all Saks employees nationwide.

Lisa, who works at Saks on Churchgate, was picked from 150 hopefuls to win the prestigious title after demonstrating a facial, a back massage, a manicure, a make over and waxing during the one-day final at Saks head office in Darlington.

Lisa, a former Tottington High School pupil, has been a therapist at Saks for three years.

She received a trophy, a certificate and a day of luxury in a London spa.

The teenager, of Sheepgate Drive, Tottington, said: "I love my job. It is brilliant working with people and the staff here are great. They all think it is fantastic that I have won and have been very supportive."

Lisa is pictured left with the tools of her trade.