REDS beauty therapist Holly Mae Cottrell, from Sling, fought off tough competition at the UKSkills National Beauty Therapy final to win gold.

Holly had to complete many tests over the three-day competition, held at Birmingham NEC, including waxing, eye treatments, facial, manicure, pedicure and make-up.

The judges were particularly impressed with Holly’s professional manner as well as her work.

Holly only joined the Reds team in March and the UKSkills competition was the first one she has competed in.

Claire Winnall, director at Reds Hair Company in Ross, said: “This is a remarkable achievement and is testimony to the hard work and dedication that Holly has shown. Reds are renowned within the hairdressing world as achieving many awards but this is the first competition that they have entered in beauty.

“The 20 strong team at Reds are very proud of Holly and many were there to see her get this award, which places her top in the whole country. Holly is very popular with everyone at Reds and her clients love her happy, chatty personality and her gentle manner.”