A HARWICH hairdressing student has been praised by her school after coming second in a prestigious national competition.

Alisha Riches, 16, wowed judges at the Concept Hair Schools Spotlight Award – earning the praise of proud teachers and staff at Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

Jo Gardiner-Irving, head of salon studies, congratulated Alisha on her efforts.

“We are all very proud of Alisha's achievements and she worked really hard practicing for this competition," she said.

“I am sure that she will have a very exciting career ahead of her.”

The national photographic competition was open to all UK schools and colleges that offer hairdressing at Key Stage 4.

This year’s theme was ‘Festival Hair’ which inspired a diverse range of festival season looks from competitors all looking to impress a renowned panel of judges.

Emily Hilton, operations manager at Concept Hair Magazine, said: “We’ve been blown away with the standard of entries this year and it’s been wonderful to see such talent in the 14 to 16 age group of hairdressing learners.

“We’re excited to follow their journeys and see where their path takes them next.”