A Spalding woman who always wanted to be a hairdresser has won a national competition for her skills.
Chloe McConnell (20) won first place in the ladies evening style category of The Association of Hairdressers and Therapists National Finals held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens last week.
She and friend Zoe Herd, who also studies at Stamford College, attended the prestigious awards after winning through from the regional heats.
Chloe’s vintage style she created in 45 minutes in front of the crowd wowed the judges as she beat off the competition of the other 20 finalists from around the country to be crowned national champion.
It’s reward for years of hard work for Chloe who has been working at Shear Shak in Pinchbeck Road for six years since she was 14.
She said: “I feel honoured and it’s a bit overwhelming collecting your award in front of all of those people.
“When it was announced I had won it just really felt like all my hard work had paid off.
“The main thing for me was the experience of taking part in a competition like that.
“It was amazing. There were so many people there that when I walked in I couldn’t believe it.
“I was nervous ahead of my cut but when I was doing it I was ok.”
There was celebrations too for Zoe, also of Spalding, who was third in the bridal category.
“It felt even more special with Zoe getting third as well,” said Chloe.