A KIDDERMINSTER College learner has won through to the national final of a prestigious awards ceremony after judges were wowed by her avant-garde hairstyle.

Charlotte Swash, 22, a Level Three Hairdressing student, took first place in the West Midlands heat of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT), which also secures her a place at the national final, held in Blackpool on Monday, March 16.

Charlotte, who is from Shropshire, said: “I had to come up with a very unique style for the avant-garde category and I was delighted with the end result which I hope to improve on in the national final.

“I really love studying at the college because of the fantastic facilities and the fact you can have a go at everything here and are also able to be creative and enter competitions such as this one.

“I previously studied fashion and went to University for a short time but I realised it wasn’t for me, but I love hairdressing and have now found something I really want to do.”

Kidderminster College will also be entering a team in the Fantasy Make-up category at the final.

Kate Williams, tutor at the college, said: “This is the third time we have entered this competition and the first time we have won through to the national final, so I am delighted it has been third time lucky.

“We have excellent learners at the college who are able to compete alongside the best in the region and we wish Charlotte all the best for the final.”