YORK’S star hairdressers and beauty therapists of the future have been showing off their skills at an annual competition at the racecourse.

About 250 full and part-time York College students took part in the hair and beauty competition yesterday.

Modelling for the event was Charlotte Leighton, of Tollerton, near Easingwold, whose life was saved by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after suffering severe facial injuries in a road accident seven years ago, made a fantastic recovery and is now studying hair and beauty at the college.

Jayne Laverick, the college’s head of division for hair, beauty and holistic therapies, said: “This competition provides a superb showcase for the work that goes on in the training salons at York College and in local salons, where many students are working as apprentices.

“Our students thrive in this competition, using their skills to produce really excellent work, it’s a great learning experience for them.”

The winners will go on to compete in regional heats in Gateshead before the national competition in Blackpool in March.