TWO Tenby students at Pembrokeshire College have struck gold in the finals of a national skills contest.

Finlay Elliot, studying graphic design and Levi Burks, studying beauty therapy, triumphed in Skills Competition Wales.

The Welsh Government-backed event celebrates vocational skills and helps create talented employees for the Welsh workforce.

This was 18-year-old Finlay's second year in the contest, and this year he was up against 18 other students from across Wales in a series of graphic design challenges.

Said Finlay: "My competition involved creating a poster design that promoted creative industries, which was a brief I could relate to and found personal interest in.

"I like graphic design as it allows me to learn computer design, but also includes hand-drawn design, which is what I enjoy the most."

Levi, aged 21, was placed ahead over the 31 other students tasked with a series of beauty treatment challenges These included an eyelash tint, applying a full face of make-up and doing a manicure.

Said Levi: "Winning the gold medal was an amazing experience, especially as this was my first time competing in Skills Competition Wales.

"Each of the tasks required a lot of training in practical skills, but also time management and organisation.

"Pursuing a career in beauty is something I'd really love and I know I have a future in an industry I enjoy."

More than 40 Skills Competitions are taking part in Wales this year. Those who are successful may then go on to be shortlisted for the UK Squad for the WorldSkills international final in China in 2021.

Welsh economy and transport minister Ken Skates congratulated Finlay and Levi on their "brilliant achievement", wishing them good luck in the next stage of the competition.

He added: "I look forward to seeing them prosper in their future careers."