A BEAUTY student from a North-East college took second place in a national competition run by the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists.

Kelsey Athey, aged 19, from Ferryhill, in County Durham, competed against 24 other students from across the UK in the Classical Make-Up category at the prestigious contest, which was held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, and was awarded a silver medal for her Eighties-inspired make-up.

Miss Athey, who is studying a Level Two Diploma in Beauty Therapy at New College Durham, secured her place in the final after winning the North-East heat of the AHT competition, in February, and she will now compete in the first round of WorldSkills UK, in Birmingham, later this month.

She said: “I was shocked but totally thrilled to win a silver medal.

“The standard was a lot higher than the regional final where I won the make-up category.

“It was a great experience and I can’t wait to compete again.”

Newcastle-based ND Make Up Artists were so impressed by Miss Athey’s talent that they have offered her the opportunity to work with them on assignments.

Her tutor, Pauline Hunt, from New College Durham, said: “Kelsey held her nerve in front of the judges at a packed venue, and we were delighted that her hard work was rewarded with a silver medal.

“It is a huge achievement to reach this standard and it will give Kelsey the opportunity to pursue her skills to the highest level, on a world stage.”

A team of hair and beauty students from New College Durham came fifth in the Total Team Look Presentation category at the national final.