A FORMER British Hairdresser of the Year has passed on tips of the trade to hair and beauty diploma students at Kidderminster College.

Lisa Shepherd, who has a Kidderminster salon, gave a lesson with a difference to the group, made up of pupils of schools including Baxter College, King Charles I, Bewdley, Stourport and Wolverley highs and Hagley RC.

They welcomed Ms Shepherd with a “chat show” set and asked prepared questions following research.

The visit was made possible with the help of Debbie Macmillan, Worcestershire Education Business Partnership (EBP) adviser.

The EBP forms part of the 14-19 team within the Children’s Services Directorate and is responsible for linking businesses with education.

Ms Macmillan said: “Employer talks such as this, from industry professionals, are invaluable to EBP in giving students the opportunity to explore their potential and career opportunities and Lisa proved to be a fantastic inspiration.”

Currently, 23 pupils study for the diploma in hair and beauty at Kidderminster College through the ContinU Consortium.

Course leader, Portia Foster, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this new and exciting qualification.

“It’s been a wonderful start to the new term for us - with our brand new salon facilities, which have been made possible through Worcestershire local authority and the ContinU Consortium and having Lisa Shepherd here was the icing on the cake.

“I think our students were suitably impressed by her.”