STUDENT hair stylists have come within a snip of winning an international beauty competition.

Aspiring beautician Tam Williams and her model, Kim Wilson, came second in the northern heats final of the Davines Colour Trophy.

They were asked to demonstrate knowledge and skill of colouring, cutting, plaiting, woven highlights, layering and finishing processes, as well as cosmetic make-up.

The pair, who are on a National Vocational Qualification course for hair styling at Redcar and Cleveland College, in Redcar, missed first place by a single point.

But Jane Shannon, head of beauty studies at the college, said: "I am delighted that the girls have demonstrated exceptional talent in such a creative and well-recognised competition. It is a particular achievement considering they were up against some of the best stylists in the country.''

Leanne Rix and Emily Panico, who are both from Loftus and studying at the Redcar campus, also entered the trophy competitions having won first place in an earlier regional heat held at The Ladle pub, in Middlesbrough