TWO stylish Bolton brothers who want to take men's hairdressing firmly into the Millennium have won an award that puts them ahead of the rest.

Anthony and Lillo Tramontana were among 10 local hairdressers who figured in a special advertising feature in the BEN. Readers were invited to vote for their favourite, with the title of Bolton Evening News Hairdresser of the Year 1999 at stake.

Hundreds of readers cast their votes for hairdressers Joy Vickers, Ralph Kleeli, Hair By Vivien, Hair Studio 336, Horner's, Sheila Merritt Salon, Elle, Alan Paul, and Dean at Washingtons. But, even though each entrant received around 100 votes, Anthony and Lillo's aptly named salon Fratelli - which is Italian for brothers - polled the most votes.

"Yes, it's really nice that our customers have shown their appreciation like this," said 30 years-old Anthony.

He and his 32 years-old brother opened the salon on Halliwell Road only 18 months ago, but they are from a hairdressing family. Their father, Vincenzo, has his own business in Higher Market Street, Farnworth.

The duo place great emphasis on cut, style and condition and are pleased that local men are following the national trend when it comes to commitment to hair-grooming.

"Even we have been surprised at the large amounts that men are now quite prepared to pay for hair products," added Lillo.

They believe that more and more of their customers are rejecting basic "short, back and sides" barbering for more modern hairdressing techniques. And their strategy has certainly paid dividends.

As well as winning the Hairdresser of the Year title, the brothers are planning to take on more staff at their current business, and to open another local salon...as the crowning glory of a blossoming career.

The lucky voter who won a £20 hairdressing voucher is Jaclyn Ogden from Horwich.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.