A YOUNG creative Sidmouth hairdresser styled her way to victory as she scooped two awards in a competition last month. Julie Murch, 19, of Utopia Creative Hairdressing, won first prize in the Avant Garde category and second in the myths and legends clas

A YOUNG creative Sidmouth hairdresser styled her way to victory as she scooped two awards in a competition last month.

Julie Murch, 19, of Utopia Creative Hairdressing, won first prize in the Avant Garde category and second in the 'myths and legends' class at the competition held in Exeter College on Monday, March 30.

The annual contest is open to all NVQ level 3 students and this year competition was fierce.

Julie, of Claremont Field, Ottery St Mary, said: "It was really good to win considering the competition was really high. All of the girls work was really good."

The students were given eight hours to style their models and the award presentation took place in the evening.

Julie, who was supported by family and colleagues, created a 'devil' look in the Avant Garde class, using the model's own hair as devil horns and a tail.

On her second model, she contrasted the devil look with a curly fairy theme using pink hair extensions.

Julie was awarded a pair of scissors, a razor and hair straightening irons as well as a trophy.

She added: "I was so nervous as it got to the last hour as it was quite rushed. I've never been in a hairdressing competition before so I'm really happy and it means I can do more in the future."

Shirley Sargent, manager of Utopia, said: "From all of us in the team I would like to congratulate Julie on her great success and wish her good luck in the future.