STUDENTS from Kendal College have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa to compete in a competition at the College of Cape Town.

Eight students were selected from the college’s hairdressing and hospitality departments to go head-to-head with the College of Cape Town’s students in a competition as part of the 2014 WorldSkills legacy project.

Hairdressing students competed in three classes – bridal, colour and cut and freedom of expression.

Kendal student Emma Whitney, from Windermere, scored highly in Cut & Colour and Sophie Knowles, of Kendal, was commended in Freedom of Expression – with the Kendal hairdressing students presented with the award for best hairdressing team for gaining the highest overall score.

Senior hairdressing tutor Denise Thompson, who accompanied the students on the trip, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to visit South Africa, gain new experience, share techniques and learn new practices within their trade.”

Hospitality student Zack Sharp, from Ulverston, scooped the prize for best chef and Bryn Stacey also came first in the food service category as part of a chef’s cook-off between the two colleges. The Kendal chefs also won best team overall.

This week students from Cape Town visited Kendal during which the college ran a variety of hairdressing and hospitality contests.