OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HANBURY HAIRDRESSING SUITE: Former Gents' World Hairdressing Champion, Michael Constantinou, recently opened four brand new salons at Coleg Gwent's Pontypool Campus.

Pontypool is one of six campuses at Coleg Gwent, which is Wales' largest further education college, with more than 35,000 students.

The opening, which was organised to officially unveil the four new hair, beauty and holistic therapy salons, was a tremendous success.

"The event was fantastic," said Head of School, Nicole Joseph. "We invited lots of people from the big names of the business, and they all came along to see the new facilities and offer their support," she added.

Special guest, Michael, who has spent 22 years working in the business, was very pleased to be invited to the launch. He said "I was delighted to be given the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new salons.

"It is such a fantastic facility and will really give students a good grounding in the industry.

"The standard of hairdressing is improving all the time right now, so it is very important that students learn the trade in a professional and realistic environment."

As part of the event, students showcased their skills with demonstrations of hair, beauty and holistic treatments, including reflexology, aromatherapy, manicures, pedicures, haircutting and colouring, and many more.

"Both staff and students have worked extremely hard on the preparations for the launch," said Nicole.

"We are delighted that the students now have a professional environment to work in and to learn about the trade, and we are all looking forward to developing this further in the future."