CUTTING edge styles were on display at a hair and beauty contest held at York Racecourse - which turned into a real thriller.

The York College Hair & Beauty competition gave more than 200 students a chance to demonstrate their skills, which were judged by local employers.

While much of the work showcased skills in style and beauty - it also gave students a chance to come up with some scary zombie creations.

Students exhibited their creativity by producing imaginative work in several categories: Evening Style,1920s Hair, Make-up, Blow Dry, Fantasy, Bridal, Level 3 Skills Challenge and Zombie designs, said a college spokeswoman.

Jayne Laverick, head of division for hair, beauty and holistic therapies at the college, said: “This annual competition presents our students with a great opportunity to showcase the skills they have learnt in the college’s training salons and in local hair and beauty salons, where many of them are employed as apprentices.

“All competitors produced work of an excellent standard and I congratulate them all.”

The winning students will go on to compete in a regional heat in Gateshead, and winners from the regional heat will progress onto the national finals, to be held in Blackpool in March.