CREATIVE beauty and make up students at Riverside College are celebrating success after winning gold and silver awards in the heats of the WorldSkills UK competition.

Lauren Smith, aged 19, from St Helens came first in the make up category and amazed judges with her imaginative work.

Katy Sullivan, aged 20, from Cleveleys Avenue, Widnes, was runner-up in the nail art competition.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Lauren's gold-award winning make up model

She was challenged to depict ancient civilisations and based her nail designs on a Geisha theme.

Media make up student Toni Anwyll also took part in the makeup competition and Laura O’Neill and Olyvia Elverson competed in the beauty section.

Lyn Rhodes, head of hair, beauty and hospitality, said: “I am very proud of how our students performed at the event.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Katy Sullivan with her Geisha nail art model

“They have demonstrated a very high level of talent to place first and second at such a competitive event.

“They all worked exceptionally hard over the duration of the competition which shows in their results.

“These achievements will be fantastic for their future careers.”

Runcorn and Widnes World: Katy's Geisha nail art

Students had to demonstrate how to follow a brief, work within a team and manage their time by meeting tight deadlines.

The winners are now hoping to compete in the national finals in September.