Make-up artistry students from Lowestoft put their skills under the spotlight in front of experienced judges and some of the biggest brands in the industry at the Warpaint Make-up Championships.

Level 3 students from the Lowestoft campus of East Coast College competed at the event on February 26, which took place alongside the Professional Beauty London show.

The championships cater for both professionals and students within the beauty industry and are the perfect opportunity for contestants to compete against industry peers and gain recognition for their talent.

Six students from East Coast College competed and walked away with some great results.

Abi McBroom gained first place for her 1988 Christian Lacroix inspired fashion/runway look. Ellie Challis gained second place for her 1988 summer of love: Acid House Rave Generation inspired body paint, while Lesley White gained second place for her 1988 Real Beauty – spring bride inspired look. And Kelly Scott gained third place for her 1988 Real Beauty – spring bride inspired look.

A college spokesman said: 'All students worked really hard with the preparations for this producing fantastic mood boards displaying their research, inspiration and final designs. They also sourced and made costumes, headdresses and props for the show - as well as showcasing their amazing talent and skill.'

East Coast College tutor, Jodie Cheek added: 'I was overwhelmed by these results and this has put East Coast College on the map within the industry.'

One of the Judges, from the body painting category – Jennie Roberts said: 'The students from East Coast College were fabulous. We loved how enthusiastic they were and it goes to show that hard work pays off. They are a total credit to the tutor and the college.'

Sixteen-year-old Ellie was also runner up in the Beach Wear Body Paint Contest set up by the international body-paint artist, Emma Cammack, and founder of Paintopia, Jennie Roberts.

The challenge was to design and paint swimwear on a model so Ellie chose to design a seahorse inspired swimsuit with prosthetics fins. She was praised for her unconventional yet beautifully creative style.

Ms Cheek, said: 'At 16, Ellie is already an amazing artist and is the perfect example of what the industry is crying out for.'

Despite competing against over 100 very well established body paint artists from 20 different countries, Ellie was rewarded by being named runner up.