Students brought the West End to west Suffolk this week in their musical-themed hair and beauty awards show.

The contest at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds showcased the talent of the hair and beauty students who battled it out to win the top prizes for hair styles and make up inspired by West End shows.

The winning looks were a Wizard of Oz hairstyle that combined the characters of the Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man, and the best make up award was for a look inspired by the character Meat from We Will Rock You.

NVQ Level 3 Hairdressing student Danielle Moye, from Thetford, won the most imaginative hairdressing award with her Wizard of Oz hairstyle. She said “I’m better with hair than words but I really pleased to have won.

“I love competitions and I really loved this one. The tutors were fantastic and my model Emma Hubbard was brilliant. I love how this course has given me the opportunity to really test myself and show what I can do. It’s amazing.”

The winner of the overall best beauty therapy award was NVQ Level 2 Beauty (mature student) Jane Robson with her We Will Rock You look.

She said: “It’s incredible to have won. I’ve loved the event but I’ve been really stressed about it too. I’ve done lots of practice beforehand, so this has paid off.

“I wouldn’t have won if it hadn’t been for my daughter and model, Elizabeth Robson. She’s been very patient with all my practicing.

“I decided to change my career from an intensive nurse to retrain as a beauty therapist last year but I have no regrets, it’s been brilliant.”

The show was the final round of heats in the competition for all the hair and beauty students at the college.

More than 60 students took part and their theme was West End musicals. The competitors created looks from Cats, Bugsy Malone, The Lion King, Hairspray, The Rocky Horror Show, We Will Rock You and The Wizard of Oz.

Mike Mulvihill, West Suffolk College’s director of service industries, said: “I am so impressed with the level of work and creativity that the students have applied to this competition.

“The standard has been high and I know my team had a very difficult job picking the winners.

“Congratulations to all those who triumphed, you are a credit to yourself and the college. Thank you also to the hair and beauty teaching staff who worked so hard to make this event possible.”