BLOODSTAINED, beautiful or breathtaking - just some of the looks painstakingly created for a stunning showcase.

Imaginative make-up and beauty students from Halton College demonstrated their techniques in a thrilling competition.

"It's a chance for them to show off their skills," said tutor Cathy Roche, who also works freelance for top TV shows and films.

"They've learned casualty make-up, bodypainting and special effects, using wigs and costumes. You have to have an aptitude and be quite artistic."

Cathy only started teaching the TV, film and special effects make-up course four years ago.

It's proved so successful, many of her students are already working for TV, theatres, film companies and advertising agencies all over the country.

"One of my students worked on a cancer research commercial for London Weekend TV and another girl is in news and sport for Tyne Tees," said Cathy.

"I also teach continuity because I've worked in the industry. You usually have to go in and learn this on the job."

TV make up artist Sjaan Giling, who works on Coronation Street, Northern Lights and for Yorkshire TV was among the judges.

Corrin Smith won the special effects make-up category and Lucy Sharp scored top marks in the fashion and bodypainting section.

Hair and beauty students also demonstrated their skills at the show at Halton Stadium.