A Charlton-based barber has been shortlisted in the Britain’s Best Shave competition.

Tolga Digil, of The Charlton Barbers, demonstrated why he when he visited News Shopper offices this week and showed off his skills learnt after almost eight years in the trade by treating editor Jim Palmer to a hot towel shave.

Making do with a kettle and a desk chair in the News Shopper kitchen, Mr Tigil worked his magic in a few short minutes to deliver a clean-cut shave, proving why he deserves his place in the competition.

Tolga submitted his application for Britain’s Best Shave after a friend alerted him to the contest on social media. He found out he had been shortlisted a few weeks later.

“When I got the email I was quite happy,” he said. “It’s nice to get noticed.”

The competition, run by the British Barbers Association in partnership with male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, gives barbers across the country the chance to win the title of Best Wet Shave in Britain.

The top barbers will be chosen from 12 regional heats to compete in the national final at the Birmingham NEC, making shaves from a boxing ring. They will take on last year’s winner, Elvis Gjokaj, to win the title as well as the coveted ‘Best Shave’ belt.

Mr Tigil competed in the London heat on March 5. He was given one hour to demonstrate a clean shave on a model of his choice.

“I think it went ok, but like I said there’s a lot of people applying for it,” he said. “I find out later this month.”

Mr Tigil was first introduced to the trade by his parents. His father was a barber, and his mother was a hairdresser. The Charlton Barbers remains a family-run business today, with Mr Digil in charge of the Charlton shop.

Mr Tigil’s mother, Birgül Osman Erça?lar, said on Facebook that she is a “very proud mum,” adding, “Well done son.”