Pembrokeshire aspiring stylists and beauty therapists wowed a panel of professionals at an exciting hair and beauty competition at Pembrokeshire College recently.

Judges from Chic International, Elgon, Gilmore, Beauty Solutions and Personal Image judged students on their skills in a series of themed competitions held at the college recently.

"The standard of work was excellent, as every year," said judge spokesperson, Mark Gilmore. "In fact, it was difficult to decide who won in every category.

"We'd like to especially congratulate the school-links category, who produced some brilliant work having only trained for two hours a week since September."

The use of make-up was also praised.

Judge Bethan Irving, of Beauty Solutions, said: "There was good technique of blending and application, as well as appropriate choice of models to fit the make-up theme."

Students who gained first, second or third places will now get the opportunity to compete at the Welsh final at Deeside College on Monday.

"All the lecturing staff are really proud of the effort and high-quality work that was achieved by the students," commented team leader Jacqueline Kelly.

"In particular, Lisa Richards did extremely well by winning three categories - her confidence must be really high.

"We are now looking forward to doing our best at the Welsh heats. It will be a good experience for the students to compete against the best in Wales."

NVQ 2 second year student Lisa Richards from Pembroke was jubilant after winning her third cup of the day.

"I'm really happy to win first places for Ladies' High Fashion, Men's Commercial Cut and Finish and being part of the best team in the Total Look Team Presentation."

After gaining her NVQ 2 in Hairdressing and Barbering at Pembrokeshire College and gaining some industry experience, Lisa hopes to eventually own her own salon or chain of salons in west Wales.

Finalists from the Welsh heats will represent their country at the Blackpool Winter Gardens Hair Festival on March 16 to compete in the UK AHT finals.

For more information about hairdressing and beauty courses at Pembrokeshire College go to http://www.pembs.ac.uk/pamper">www.pembs.ac.uk/pamper.

COMPETITION WINNERS AND THEMES

School Links Creative Bridal - time allowed 45 minutes: 1. Sarah Nash; 2. Mel Watts; 3. Abigail Jones.

First year blow dry suitable for every day - time allowed 30 minutes: 1. Hannah Mitchell; 2. Katie Rowe; 3. Rebecca Llewellyn.

Cut and blow - ladies commercial - time allowed 45 minutes: 1. Cherell Boswell; 2. Dana Rogers; 3. Sheree Hearn.

Men's commercial cut and finish - time allowed 30 minutes: 1. Lisa Richards; 2. Kyle Rowland; 3. Richard Squires.

Ladies high fashion - time allowed 30 minutes: 1. Lisa Richards; 2. Helen Clark; 3. Lowri Davies.

Competitors to execute a hairstyle of their own choice on a female model.

Ladies evening style - time allowed 45 minutes: 1. Kyle Rowland; 2. Cherell Boswell; 3. Stacey Davies.

Catwalk make-up - time allowed 45 minutes: 1. Hannah Griffiths; 2. Gwen Vaughan; 3. Ceri Deakin.

Total look team presentation - theme 'TV commercials', time allowed in total one hour 15 minutes: 1. Carolann Sheehan, Dana Rogers, Lisa Richards, Sheree Hearn, Cherell Boswell and Karen Crayford.