ARTISTIC beauticians-to-be showcased their talents in a college competition.

Beauty students at Mid Cheshire College pitted their skills against each other to produce the most creative nail art, with Lostock 19-year-old Jade Mather declared the winner.

They had to design a mood board based on a variety of themes, including nautical, seasons, Disney, Alice in Wonderland and Hello Kitty, and also had to arrange a photoshoot.

Work covered during the competition will help the students fulfil part of the course assessment for their NVQ Level Three in nail services.

Students performed nail enhancements, art and imagery in front of industry experts including Karen Potts, from the Nail Systems International UK Academy, and Julie Holmes, owner of local nails business, Sparkles by Julie.

Karen said: “It has been an excellent turnout for the competition and all the girls presented themselves really well. The finished work is exceptional, which reflects the great tutoring at Mid Cheshire College.”

Jade was presented with a gift of NSI nail and beauty products for her Alice in Wonderland design.

“I really loved the competition but felt very nervous” said Jade, who plans to return to college to complete a reflexology course next year.

Jade is currently employed as a beauty therapist at the Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford.

Runners-up Rhia Brown and Hannah Gregory from Northwich also received beauty gift bags.