A STUDENT from Weymouth is celebrating after she won silver in a national hairdressing competition.

Katie Fellows, 19, is an apprentice hairdresser studying at Weymouth College.

Last week she competed at Wella Xposure 2019, a national hairdressing competition that took place in London.

She got through photographic and regional rounds to reach the finals with 16 competitors in the college category.

The finals were at the national headquarters for Wella in Trafalgar Square. Silver award winners won a trophy, a tailor-made education programme up to the value of £500 and a tool kit worth £250.

Katie said: "The style I went for was quite big, almost like Marilyn Monroe sort of style, and the colour was quite out there too so I tried to keep the rest of the look more simple.

"I entered last year but I only reached the regional finals. I said I wasn't going to enter again and I wouldn't get through but it was definitely worth another go.

"It was so much fun, stressful but a lot of fun. The day of the competition was quite a long and intense day but the atmosphere was amazing.

"The course is really good, the college is amazing and they help with everything and your employment as well.

"Because I'm an apprentice I would do college one day a week and work the other four days. The course is intense but worth it because you learn a lot."

Lucie Grace, deputy head of the hair and beauty school at Weymouth College, said: “During Katie’s apprenticeship at Weymouth College she has shown excellent hairdressing skills and a passion for the industry.

"Katie successfully gained a place in the Wella Xposure UK regional finals after competing in our in-house competition at Weymouth College.

"Her determination and inspiration has been rightly rewarded as she has now secured a silver at the Wella Xposure UK national finals.

This is an amazing achievement and as her tutor I am extremely proud of all the hard work Katie has put in. I would like to wish Katie the best of luck with her hairdressing career.”