KELLY Hodges from Cinderford has been chosen to represent the UK at the WorldSkills Championships in Seoul, South Korea, next year.
Hairdresser Kelly was chosen over all the other contenders not only for her mastery of the skill but also because she showed a real flair and passion for her vocation.
Kelly was among the UKs best young skilled workers, from hairdressers and florists to welders and chefs, at the Millennium Done where UK Skills celebrated top talent hosted by the DfEE, in association with The Prince's Trust.
This celebration of skills was also to mark the achievements and thank all those involved in the Manpower National Skills Festival 2000 and The Skills Show.
Kelly will now compete with others in her field from 34 countries around the world at the WorldSkills Championships, the world's premier skills competition for young people.
Aiming to bring a medal back to the UK, she said: "I am really excited at the prospect of competing at an international level and having the opportunity to have my skills formally recognised."
Kelly, who works for Cutting Edge, hopes that competing at the championships will help her with her career prospects.