Following their recent success at the regional heats, in Coatbridge last month, the students travelled to the two day finals, held in the prestigious Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

The students had their work cut out for them going head-to-head with the best students from across Scotland, England and Wales.

Never ones to disappoint the students triumphed, scooping six awards across four categories:

Men’s Barbering Cut and Finish

3rd Place – Mitchell McFarlane

Body Painting

1st Place – Katarzyna Grzeszczuk

2nd Place – Hayley Glen

3rd Place – Erin Richford

Fantasy Total Look

2nd Place – Leah Picken

Fantasy Facial Make-up

2nd Place – Jamie Bell

Fantasy Facial Make-up - 2nd Place Winner, Jamie Bell

Lecturer Janet Munn who coached and accompanied the students commented,

A huge well done to all our students who competed and modelled at this year’s competition.

'It’s always such a pleasure to see all their hard work being rewarded. The insight into the wealth of talent and creativity from competitors on a National level has proved to be a truly inspiring experience for all present. We certainly have a lot of motivated students for next year.”

With a flair for body painting 17 year-old Erin Richford was thrilled with her decision to take part in the competition, commenting, “Janet encouraged me to take part and I’m so glad she did. It was a fantastic learning experience for me and watching so many talented people produce works or art was inspiring.”

With the theme, anatomy, Erin was inspired by her love for all things gory, designing a body which gave the illusion of the skin being held shut by buttons. “I spent a lot of time researching and playing around with designs to make sure I got the final look just right. I love making things that aren’t realistic, look realistic.

Body Painting - 3rd Place Winner, Erin Richford

‘As my first year entering the competition I wasn’t really thinking about being placed it was more about the experience so I was delighted to be awarded 3rd place.

I’ll definitely be back next year.

35 year-old Mitchell McFarlane who was awarded 3rd place in the Men’s Barbering Cut and Finish category commented, “I was delighted to represent the College and my class group at the competition. Competing against other students working at the same level as me was a great learning experience.

'The whole experience was really inspiring and enjoyable and I’m looking forward to entering again next year."

Mitchell McFarlane 3rd Place Men’s Barbering Cut and Finish