All made up (From York Press)

All made up for York College's 2012 hair and beauty competition

11:53am Thursday 19th January 2012 in Features By Maxine Gordon

MAXINE GORDON discovers how York hair and beauty students have got talent. GARRY ATKINSON takes the pictures.

THEY looked like models from the opening titles of a James Bond movie.

Sarah Trufhitt’s body was painted black, with orange and yellow flames flickering over her torso and shoulders. The theme extended to her hair, which was a brilliantly coloured in black, red and gold, in a shocking punk style.

Meanwhile Hannah Longster looked like she had come of the set of Goldfinger; sprayed from head to toe in a glistening gold. She even had a set of wings – so perhaps a guest appearance on Eternal Law was beckoning.

But this was no film set… this was York Racecourse, venue for the twelfth annual York College Hair and Beauty competition.

Around 250 hairdressing and beauty therapy students were competing for prizes across a nine categories, including Classic 1940s; blow dry; bridal hair; face and body painting and ladies evening style.

Before an audience made up of the public and prospective employers, the students had to perform against the clock to pull off their creations.

Denise Morrison, from York College, said: “It provides a superb learning experience for the hair and beauty students at the college. Each year, students rise to the challenge and prove to themselves, and to employers, that they can use their skills effectively while under pressure.

“It is fantastic to see their training at college and in the workplace result in the technical and creative skills showcased in this competition.”

Among the prize winners from this year’s competition, which took place on Monday, were Emma Rose and Kelly Herrington, joint first in the bridal category; Katie Hutchinson for blow drying and Emma Bland who took the top spot in ladies evening style.

The winning students will go forward to a regional heat in Gateshead. Success there will lead to a place in the national finals in Blackpool.

Models Sophie Dearnley, Stephanie Turner, Ellie Barnett and Gabrielle Flatt in the Classic 1940s section.

Competitor Olivia Oldfield works on model Lucy Hakings in the bridal section.

Competitor Chris Lane works on model Rebecca Blackburn in the Ladies Evening Style section.

Competitor Abi Harland works on model Jade Kelly in the ladies evening style section.