HAIR and beauty students have showcased their skills at a festival celebrating their work.

They perfected their creations in the hope of achieving first place in their category at West Suffolk College’s Hair and Beauty Festival 2013 at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds.

Members of the public watched as they focused on their work, with themes including Maritime Maidens and Musicals.

Tracey Marshall, head of school for hairdressing, beauty and holistic therapies, said: “We were thrilled to see such a high standard of work at the annual hair and beauty competitions this year.

“One of the judges, Louise Young, who is a make-up artist for film, TV and fashion, commented on the high standard of competitors’ work and said how difficult it was to judge as the scoring marks were very high and in many cases there was only one mark between first and second places.

“The event was well represented by employers and parents. It was very exciting to see the weeks of practice coming together at this showcase event with over 340 students competing to win a place.”

Prizes for the Best Overall Beauty Entry and Most Imaginative Hairdressing Entry went to Abby Nunn and Tiffani Bartlett respectively.