Beauty Therapist, Holly Cotterill, and Hairdresser, Gavin Kyte, of Reds Hair Company, Ross-on-Wye, recently left the salon for a trip to Budapest.

Holly, 19, and Gavin, 21, contested in EuroSkills, a three-day competition for hairdressers and beauty therapists all over Europe. The international competition only allows one beauty therapist and one hairdresser from the UK to attend.

Reds Hair Company were delighted to learn that Gavin was awarded a bronze medal and Holly awarded a gold medal at the competition.

Claire Winnall, who works at Reds Hair Company, said: “We are all so incredibly proud. This is the first time that one company has had two people from different trades both earn medals.”

Holly told the Ross Gazette: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It is amazing to work so hard and have it pay off. I couldn’t have done it without everyone who supported me.”

Gavin said: “I am chuffed to bits. It’s amazing to have the hard work pay off. I would advise anyone to do something like this because it changes your life.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.