A BARBER from Bridgwater known as 'the blind barber' has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Daniel Hammond has only been cutting hair for three years, but is already being recognised on a national stage, and could be named Best New Talent at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Daniel, who was born blind in one eye, said his visual impairment 'hasn't stopped him doing anything'.

He was notified by the awards that he had been ranked in the top ten out of tens of thousands of applicants.

“I was pretty blown away to be honest, because it’s been a bit of a struggle," Daniel said.

“Especially in Bridgwater, there’s lots of competition.”

“I’m really chuffed with how far I’ve come to be honest.”

Daniel works at MANE Somerset, based on Angel Crescent, which is owned by his fiancé. 

Read more: Bridgwater salon awarded best salon honours at London show

He never had plans to become a barber, and even played professional ice hockey in America for 20 years before arriving at his current profession.

“I’ve never thought I’d be a barber," Daniel explained.

"I cut my kids’ hair, and my wife said I was quite good at it."

Fast forward to the present day, and the blind barber has competed and succeeded in several competitions, and grown a loyal client base of between 40 to 50 people.

Before making a name for himself, Daniel could often be seen handing out flyers for free haircuts in Bridgwater town centre, in order to grow his clientele.

He will find out whether he's been crowned the UK's best new talent at the official UK Hair and Beauty Awards ceremony on Saturday, June 1 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Noughties boy band JLS member Aston Merrygold will be in attendance to hand the award to the winner at the black tie dinner - former X-Factor contestant Jake Quickenden has also been confirmed for the event.

Speaking on last year's UK Hair and Beauty Awards, a spokesperson said: "Our 2023 event was a huge success, finalists walked the red carpet before sitting down for a stunning three-course meal and enjoyed a fun-filled evening of awards results presented by celebrity hosts Duncan James and Jake Quickenden."