TALENTED students from a Widnes college are celebrating after an ‘outstanding’ performance at national finals which saw them bring a haul of medals home.

The Riverside College pupils were able to display their talents at the live finals of WorldSkills UK which took place last month.

Nail students Georgia Durr and Sophie Logan, media makeup student Leah Allender and the accountancy technician team including Matthew McCormick and Aeneas Bates competed against other top students from around the nation to prove they are the best in the country in their disciplines.

Alongside displaying the technical skills they have developed during their course at Riverside College, the students had to demonstrate a professional demeanor, follow safe working practices, have a professional attitude, have effective interaction with clients and use effective time management.

And after an intense week of competitions, Leah and Georgia received a gold medal, while Sophie won a silver and Matthew and Aeneas were awarded bronzed.

Media makeup winner Leah, previously from Penketh High School said: “I was over the moon to find out I had won the gold medal.

“All of my tutors were incredible during the preparation process for the final competition, I definitely could not have done it without them.”

Lyn Rhodes, head of the centre of excellence for hair, beauty, nails and media makeup said: “This was an amazing event for everyone involved.

“We are very proud of the incredible achievements our students have made at this prestigious competition.

“All of the students who took part in the finals have worked very hard throughout the year in preparation and it really paid off.

“They all displayed great creativity, talent, skill and professionalism throughout; they are a credit to Riverside College.”