A TRAINEE beauty consultant from Blackburn was ecstatic after being awarded a high placing in a national competition in London.

Gemma Fallon, 19, of Lilac Road, came third in the Sterex Student of the Year Awards, held at the famous Selfridges Hotel.

A student in the final year of an NVQ Hair and Beauty Therapy course at Blackburn College, Gemma qualified for the national competition after finishing first in the regional finals at Tameside College, Oldham.

She faced stiff competition from all over the UK and was scrutinised by experts from the beauty industry.

Gemma, who works part-time at Slater's Hair and Body Shop, Bastwell, said she was "ecstatic" after the finals and her success had still not sunk in.

"I couldn't believe it. I was emotional and shocked. It didn't seem real. Coming third in London was a brilliant experience. I felt immensely happy and proud."

Gemma was accompanied to the finals by course tutor Alison Brandwood, who said: "She was fantastic.

"Gemma is a natural. She is very, very good. We are all very proud of her."