Hairdressing students in Northumberland are among the top of the national crop.
Four learners from Northumberland College competed in the final of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) competition in Blackpool.
And the group netted an impressive haul of medals.
The students took part in various contests, each showcasing a particular element of their skills.
Advanced apprentice Kate Robson, 19, from Pegswood, who works at House of Marley Hairdressing in Blyth, was second in the ladies’ cut and blow dry, and Level 2 student Kayleigh Oxley, 20, from Widdrington, also claimed silver in the ladies’ blow-wave.
Melissa Howdon, of Hexham, was second in the ladies’ evening styles, while advanced apprentice Kim Clark, 22, from Widdrington, who works at Neish in Ashington, was third in the advanced skills challenge.
The students had secured their place in the national final after sailing through the North East heat in Gateshead. The competition was part of Blackpool Winter Garden’s Hair Festival.
College Programme Area Leader for Hairdressing Dawn Eastham said: “I am so proud of our students’ achievements. They did so well to be placed second out of all the competitors from across the country.
“We encourage our students to enter competitions like this one as it provides the opportunity to get creative with new and unique styles and it looks great on their CV, which will help when entering the world of work.”
Northumberland College offers a range of hairdressing courses and apprenticeships. For details visit www.northumberland.ac.uk