Hair stylist Bethany Barrett is preparing to compete in the final of a national competition launched to find the next generation of hairdressers.

The 21-year-old works as a senior stylist at Escape Hair and Therapy Salon in Bleadon and entered The Skills Factor competition this year.

Bethany impressed the judges and made her way through to the quarter finals of the competition launched by Habia, the Government approved standards setting body for hair and beauty.

She is now through to the final stage of the contest, which takes place at the Goldwell Academy in London on May 27.

If successful, Bethany, who is an apprentice studying with Weston College, will win a place in the Habia Graduate World Skills Team.

Tanita Veal, work-based learning co-ordinator for hair and beauty at the Business Enterprise Centre, which is part of Weston College, said: "Bethany has done so well throughout this competition and we wish her the very best of luck in the final.

"If the finalists are good enough, the team will select between one and three of them to join the Graduate World Skills Team."