A BOLTON College hairdressing student has been named apprentice of the year in the Social Media Hair and Beauty Awards.

Abigail McMyler works as an apprentice at Blake Laurence hair studio in Farnworth, and she is set to complete her Level 3 qualifications this summer.

The 18-year-old began her apprenticeship in November 2019, however her training was paused due to several Covid-19 lockdowns which saw the closure of hair salons.

Despite this, Abigail powered through when Blake Laurence reopened and has developed a range of skills including extensions and colour.

Her boss Nicola Hill was so impressed with the Abigail's hard work that she nominated her for the award in January.

The winners were announced on April 30 at a virtual event.

Abigail added: "I was really surprised to found out I'd won, especially when there were so many good nominees.

"It's been very difficult with all of the restrictions, obviously I've not been able to do a lot of the practical stuff.

"But you've just got to get on with it when you can.

"The salon have been amazing, I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. All the customers are lovely too. I love working there."

Abigail documents her work on her Instagram page Hair By Abigail McMyler.

Nicola Hill added: "Abigail has worked so hard and I've been really impressed by her.

"She's so focused, she comes in and gets the work done, if I've been working late she's offered to stay around and help.

"She's really good at colour, and she's learnt how to do extensions which isn't even on the Level 2.

"When I found out she'd won I called her and she was screaming with joy on the phone.

"She's done really well and even built up her own list of clients.

"Her dad is a barber so it's definitely in her blood."