A HAIRDRESSING student from Leominster scooped third prize in a national competition.

Alessandra Webb, who is studying a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in hairdressing at Herefordshire and Ludlow College (HLC), earned the award at the Hair and Beauty North West 2014 event in Blackpool.

Alessandra competed in the 'through the ages' category with her 1940s styling on her model Diva Faria.

"The competition was just lovely - I enjoyed it very much," said Alessandra.

"I was a little nervous about it, but on the day, everything went so smoothly.

"I work as a mobile hairdresser and the vintage look is becoming more popular at the moment.

"I might have a few more requests for a 1940's look now."

Eleven students from HLC took part in a variety of competitions, with numerous categories running throughout the day.

Course tutor Viv Taylor said: "The finish on the hair styles that our students produced was immaculate and so professional.

"They were extremely focused and that attention to detail really stood out.

"The 1940's styling produced by Alessandra was flawless and easily recognisable - the judges had a very difficult job.

"It really is tremendous that all of our students have been placed so highly, especially as they did the entire entries on their own."