A SALTCOATS beauty student has won an industry award for her skills in reflexology.

Ayrshire College student Laura Gallagher competed against reflexology students from all over the UK to win a Bronze award at the WorldSkills UK finals in Birmingham.

During the competition, Laura had to complete a number of tasks covering client consultation, health and safety, reflexology treatments and aftercare, all of which tested her skills in a high pressure environment.

Laura secured a place in the finals after scooping the top award in reflexology in the regional Beauty heats at Ayrshire College in July.

Laura said: “I was delighted to win in the regional heats, and getting the chance to compete and win bronze in the UK finals has been fantastic.

“lt has really boosted my confidence and I’m looking forward to perfecting my skills this year”.

Laura is continuing her studies and is also gaining valuable experience training as a beauty therapist one day a week.

Beauty lecturer Karen Forster said: “Laura embraced the opportunity to represent the College and thrived in her preparation and participation in this event.

“As Laura’s lecturer and competition mentor, I am very proud of her achievement.

“At Birmingham, Laura was extremely successful and the team at Ayrshire College is very proud of her achievement.” WorldSkills UK inspires young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to the highest level and drives excellence in workplace skills through competition.