A LLANDUDNO hairdresser has been chosen as a finalist in this year’s vocational qualification (VQ) awards in Wales.

Sophie Appleton-Hendy, a stylist with Tommy’s Hair Company, has already won a gold medal at the WorldSkillsUK 2017 hairdressing competition.

The VQ awards are designed to reward individuals and organisations for their commitment, hard work and their achievements.

The awards ceremony will be held at The Exchange Hotel, Cardiff on Thursday May 3 and is organised by the Welsh Government in partnership with the National Training Federation for Wales.

Sophie said: “I want to win the VQ award, as it will give me another vehicle to continue to promote hairdressing competition work and the huge benefits it can bring to individuals and their employers”.

Her competition skills have already helped increase client bookings at Tommy’s by 60 per cent.

Dawn Elliott, of learning provider ISA Training in Bridgend, said: “Sophie’s learning journey over three years has been phenomenal and she’s an inspiration to others.

“Having achieved a foundation apprenticeship in hairdressing, Sophie is now working towards her level three barbering qualification with ISA Training.”