WE asked you to tell us about the best salon in Warrington and we were blown away by the volume of nominations.

More than 600 people filled out our Customer Service Awards form this week while hundreds more of you commented on our Facebook post, tweeted us or dropped us a message on our Instagram page.

It's clear Warrington has some of the most caring, considerate and the best hairdressers in the north west making it a very difficult job to narrow the nominations down to a top five shortlist.

Based on the volume of nominations and the nominations that really touched our judges' hearts, we have put together the following shortlist for readers to vote on.

Votes can be submitted via our online poll at the bottom of this story or by emailing us at competition@nqnw.co.uk with the name of the salon you want to win.

(Please make sure you spell your salon's name correctly or your email vote won't be counted.)

You have got until 9am on Wednesday, March 20 to submit your votes.

The winner will be announced in a special supplement in the Warrington Guardian newspaper later this spring and decided based on 50% readers' votes and 50% judges' final decision.

SHORTLIST FOR WARRINGTON SALON OF THE YEAR

1. O'Neills in Penketh

'A warm and friendly welcome and atmosphere' was the most common way customers described this salon.

Regular customers at the established salon said they were always made to feel like they were at home and nothing was ever too much trouble.

One customer added: "I had a spinal cord injury over four years ago and am now tetraplegic.

"Nothing has been too much trouble for the salon. Carl, the owner, purchased a ramp to enable me and others to access the building and at all times, I am treated with dignity and respect by all the staff."

2. Kemp and Collins in the town centre

This new salon has already got plenty of fans of their services and their hairdressers.

One nomination said Paul Kemp at the salon was 'one of the best hairdressers in Warrington as well as the best-looking' while others praised the wide variety of services under one roof.

Another nomination added: "I wanted to especially mention Andy Collins, who knew I was having some financial difficulties and casually knocked off some of the price at the end.

"He acted like it was normal pricing for what he did but I know it wasn't.

"Not only did he help me out but he made it seem like it was no big deal and if that's not a top guy I really don't know what is.

"It's a kind act that won't ever be forgotten."

3. Limelight on Marsh House Lane

Loyal customers heaped praise on Limelight with a large number commenting on the warmth and friendliness during every visit over the past 10 years.

Many nominations said they 'felt like one of the family' when they visited with staff constantly going out of their way to help customers.

One particularly touching nomination added: "I sadly lost my mother-in-law in January who also used the salon.

"The girls went out of their way to help Brenda during her illness, often sending texts to check up on her, offering her treatments at home or sending flowers.

"On the day of her funeral I was really shocked to see the girls had come to pay their respects as everyone knew Friday was one of the busiest days of the week in the salon.

"I can not thank them enough from the bottom of our hearts for their kindness."

4. Beehive Hair in Latchford

Described as 'two of the most caring men you could ever meet', owners Mike and Chris decided on the name for their business after both being in the Manchester Arena during the bombing in 2017.

Nominations said they never stop working after closing time and customers come away feeling 'relaxed and happy'.

One nomination added: "They make you feel like you are valued and they take their time to make you feel amazing.

"I know it's been hard for them at times but walking into the salon you just know that they are proud of what they do and they LOVE what they do."

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5. Urban Beauty in Penketh

'Professional, friendly and I've already recommended them to all of my friends' was just one of the nominations for Urban Beauty.

Customers said they were made to feel like a VIP during their visits and were also pleased to see staff would tell them no if they didn't think a treatment was right for their skin type.

One customer, who now makes a 60-mile round trip to visit the salon after moving from the area, added: "I only left Warrington in September after 30 years.

"It took me the first 23 years to find such a wonderful beauty salon and needless to say I am still coming up to Urban Beauty for all my treatments."

THIS VOTE HAS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR VOTING. EMAIL VOTES WILL NOW BE COUNTED