A YEADON-BASED beauty college has held its 35th annual graduation ceremony.

Yorkshire College of Beauty held the 2018 event at the Queens Hotel, Leeds on Friday, July 27.

The evening is organised as a chance for the students to celebrate their achievements with family and friends.

This year it was also attended by the college's first Cidesco graduate, Arezoo Kavani, and Dawn Cragg MBE - who employed Principal Christine Tilley as a junior tutor 38 years ago.

Mrs Tilley said: "I’m so proud of all our students, past and present, and my fantastic team who ensure all training is delivered to the highest standard possible.

"I’m grateful for what the college has achieved in the last 35 years and look forward to another successful academic year, moving forward and continuing the success of the Yorkshire College of Beauty."

In a first for the ceremony Rudding Park Hotel & Spa presented its own award, The Rudding Park Achievement Award this time which was jointly awarded to Chelsey Malkin and Mellissa Firth, with Bethany Shearer named as runner-up.

A college spokeswoman said: "We would like to thank Managing Director Peter Banks and Head of HR Claire Cregan, from Rudding Park, for attending and presenting the award.

"Bellissima Exclusive in Guiseley also kept up their tradition by not going home empty handed.

"Megan Popple who, last year completed her Advanced Apprenticeship, returned to the college to further her knowledge and study Level 4 with us. Megan, along with former Cidesco student Paige Burnhill, won the Level 4 award for their dedication and commitment."

Students graduated across a range of courses including Advanced Apprenticeship, Cidesco International, iTec, Media Make-up, Massage Therapies, and Sports Massage.

The other award winners were Functional Skills - Tamara Snaith-Minogue; Highest Academic (full-time) - Sumbal Lohana; Highest Academic (Apprentice) - Danielle Bartram;

Massage Therapies - Lorna Langdon; Multi Achievements - Daniella Dunston; Most Promising Therapist (full-time) - Lydia Stanley; Most Promising Therapist (Apprentice) - Chloe Lowthorpe; Itec Media Make-up - Tiffany Firth and Cydney Beasley; Part-time Student of the Year - Jenna Sykes; Student of the Year (Apprentice) - Rebecca Roberts; Student of the Year (full-time) - Claire Dickson; Top Cidesco Student - Sumbal Lohana.

The college, which is the UK's largest training provider for apprenticeships in beauty therapy, still has some places available for various courses that start in September.