A TALENTED beauty therapy student from Dudley College has landed her dream job after being crowned Ragdale Hall Spa's Student of Excellence 2018.

Sophie Roberts, from Kingswinford, beat off stiff competition from 10 other finalists to take the top title.

The 20-year-old's prize included a full-time beauty therapist position at the Leicestershire spa, plus a spa day for two, £500 on completion of one year’s service, winner’s trophy and certificate.

Sophie and her fellow finalists were put through their paces during the final held on March 4, where they were required to carry out a one-to-one verbal interview, a theory knowledge test paper and two treatments including, a 40-minute manicure and a 50-minute full body massage.

Standards were "incredibly high", according to Allison Garner, the spa's personal director, who added: "Sophie really shone during the final and demonstrated a high standard of therapy and professionalism.

"Her timings were on point, and she showed such great enthusiasm and ambition."

After scooping her dream job, Sophie said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed – this really is a dream come true.

“The journey from start to finish has been so rewarding, having learnt so much and having made some amazing friendships along the way. "I faced some challenging competition from the other finalists, but I’m thrilled to say I came out a winner.

"This is such a proud moment for me, and I simply cannot wait to start my career at Ragdale.”

Katie Gorst from Halesowen College was named runner up in the competition and has also secured a full-time beauty therapist position at the spa.

Dudley and Halesowen colleges are two of 27 with ‘Ragdale Hall College of Excellence’ status, which means students are eligible to enter the annual awards programme.

Allison added: "We work closely with many colleges around the UK to develop and nurture beauty students, as they could be our therapists of the future."