A hairdressing student from Bristol is a finalist in the industry's Young Apprentice of the Year competition.

Ellie Quirke, 15, from Whitchurch, is one of 11 budding stylists from across the country chosen for the Habia – the hairdressing and beauty industry awards.

She is a student on the Level 2 diploma course in hairdressing at City of Bristol College.

Ellie entered the national competition by sending in photographs of a long-hair look that she had created on a styling block, along with a storyboard and written statement.

Her entry will now be submitted, along with the 11 other finalists, to judges at beauty products company L'Oreal.

Stylist and professional trainer Patrick Cameron will head the judging panel and the awards will be presented on June 23 in London.

Jo Tuckwell, lecturer on the hairdressing diploma course, said: "We're very proud of Ellie's hard work and her position as a finalist is a great recognition of her talent."

The course is open to 14 to 16 year-olds, who attend the college for one day each week.

A further day is spent on a work placement, while the remainder of their week is spent at school.

Habia is the government appointed standards-setting body for the hair, beauty, nails and spa industries.

It creates standards for qualifications including NVQs, diplomas and foundation degrees, as well as industry codes of practice.