Now the former Whitcliffe Mount School pupil has scooped a £10,000 prize at New East Manchester Enterprize awards to recognise the phenomenal success of her wig dressing and make-up business.

The wig mistress had always wanted to be involved with the performing arts but decided to shun a life in the limelight to work behind the scenes.

Wigs Up North was founded in 2004 by Liz Armstrong and Jackie Sweeney, in Manchester, to supply wigs to theatre, opera and television companies.

In 2005, Vicky joined as an equal partner and the enterprising trio have never looked back.

Vicky said: "It's gone mad since I joined the company.

"When we started we just had an office and a box of wigs, now we have our own space in an old mill that includes a make-up shop.

"In 2006 we won the British Chamber of Commerce Most Promising New Business Award and now we've won the EnterPrize award and £10,000.

"We've done wig work for stars like Peter Kay for his Geraldine character and also for Hollyoaks, Sky and Granada TV."

Vicky, 35, got her first taste of theatre when she accompanied her journalist mum Sheila to review plays in Bradford. Soon after leaving Whitcliffe Mount, she enrolled on a hairdressing course in Huddersfield before attending university in Kings Lynn to pursue a degree in special effects, make up and wig making.

She has worked on productions all over the world, as well as with companies like Opera North and the Northern Ballet Theatre.

Being based in Manchester had its benefits too - the BBC's MediaCity is due to open in 2011 and Granada studios are based near the office - but Vicky hasn't forgotten her Yorkshire roots.

She added: "I still come back to do work for Opera North and the Northern Ballet Theatre and recently I came back to set up three operas at the Leeds Grand Theatre.

"Over the next few years we just want to grow the business even more."

The three ladies hope the prize money can be reinvested into the company to employ more staff members and set up an e-commerce system for their website.

"I'm a very lucky girl because I absolutely love my job and no day is the same.

"Even when things are tough, I never feel like I don't want to carry on," Vicky said.

* For more information about Wigs Up North visit www.wigsupnorth.co.uk.