TWO barbering students have returned from a national competition with podium placed finishes.

Karen Scarr, 39, and Lindsay Ruddock, 18, of Peterlee won a silver and bronze, respectively, in the barbering patterns category contest at this year’s Association of Hairdressers and Therapists national finals.

The competition was held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, with the best students in hair, beauty and barbering from across the British Isles competing for top honours.

While Karen and Lindsay picked-up top honours, there were also strong performances by their fellow East Durham College hair and beauty students who took part over the two days.

Barbering lecturer Alison Scattergood said: “We had a brilliant time at Blackpool and it was great to see Karen and Lindsay come away with the second and third places.

“Everyone we took to Blackpool to compete put in fantastic performances and we were unlucky to not come away with many more top places, but the standard was just so high at this competition. It gets tougher every year.

“It was a great experience for everyone involved and we are sure it will help them to progress further on their courses at the College.”

Hairdressing lecturer Sandra Joyce added: “I would just like to say all the students we took to Blackpool were an absolute credit to the college.

“They were so enthusiastic, well-behaved and incredibly focused on their work."

For more information on courses in the hair and beauty department at East Durham College contact 0191 518 8222.