A barber from Deal has successfully defended his title to be named the best wet shaving master in Britain for 2019.

Enver Yeshilbulut, owner of Kings Barbers Male Grooming in Deal, has made history as the first barber in the competition to receive the accolade for two consecutive years.

The final took place inside a boxing ring in front of thousands of spectators at the ExCel London on Sunday.

The 35-year-old, known as Efe to his customers, beat off razor sharp competition from Yucel Olmezkaya from Cambridge who was knocked out in the semi-finals the previous year.

The two-time champion said: “It feels truly amazing to have defended my title as this is the first ever repeat winner.

"The feeling still hasn’t sunk in. It’s widely regarded as the most prestigious prize in the industry and the competition attracts hundreds of entries every year.

“This is my passion. I have to thank all my clients who allow me to do what I love every day.

"Without their continuous support it wouldn’t be possible.”

Mr Yeshilbulut impressed the judges on a number of criteria including shave preparation, razor technique, post-shave routine, health and safety and overall efficiency.

His prize was a belt to display in his High Street shop as well as £500 worth of products from The Bluebeards Revenge.

It is his third belt, after securing the same title in 2018 and Britain’s Best Barber, for hair cutting, in the same competition in 2016.

“Enver is a true champion, a barbering heavyweight who has proved without doubt that he is the UK’s very finest wet shaving barber." - Nick Gibbens, of The Bluebeards Revenge

Nick Gibbens, of The Bluebeards Revenge which runs the competition in partnership with industry watchdogs British Barbers’ Association, said: “Enver is a true champion, a barbering heavyweight who has proved without doubt that he is the UK’s very finest wet shaving barber.

“We hope his success will inspire barbers from all over the UK to enter the competition next year.

"He once again performed fantastically well on the day and we look forward to working with him to promote British barbering to a global audience.”

The dad-of-two to Hira, five and two-year-old Eda has enjoyed a fantastic year since winning the title in 2017, opening a second shop in Market Place, Aylesham in October and taking on another four barbers.

His customer base has also grown to include Blake Ashmore, pictured, who used to travel to North London for a haircut and wet shave because of a lack of understanding over his facial eczema until he discovered Mr Yeshilbulut.

Erik Lander, of the British Barbers’ Association, said: “Enver is a deserving two-time champion.

"To get in the ring and be judged by your peers and industry experts’ takes nerves and Enver showed his resolve, skill and determination for the second year running.

“He is an inspiration to others, and his success will help to encourage others to enter competitions."

Mr Yeshilbulut didn't make the final in 2017.

Mr Lander added: "Enver also proves that if at first you don’t succeed, to try again.

"We are continually learning and I think this shows Enver’s determination to be the best at what he does.

"A massive congratulation's and well done.”