A Sussex woman has been named as a winner in the national nail technician of the year competition.

Emma Head, owner of Tips and Toes beauty salon in Rottingdean, won the title at the annual Health and Beauty exhibition held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel.

She has had previous success at the awards, winning the same accolade in 1999 and finishing runner-up last year.

She said: "There are five top categories and I won in the tips with gel overlay section which looks at how well a technician is able to extend nails using special tips. This is one of the most common methods for nail extension. It takes about one and a quarter hours to do a full set and looks very natural."

The competition has three stages. First Emma had to apply the tips with gel then add red polish to one of her model's hands to demonstrate her presentation skills and finally sit a written multiple-choice exam asking questions on topics such as nail disease and products.

She said: "It was very difficult to paint Kathy's nails in the competition because I was shaking with nerves.

"Kathy has been my model for several years after originally coming to see me as a client. She has excellent hands to work with, which helps me to focus on the task.

"Once I had completed my work, Katy's hands were assessed by three judges.

"She had to stand behind a screen with her hands through portholes so the judges couldn't be influenced by anything other than the nail work when choosing a winner.

"We had to wait for an announcement for a couple of hours but it was worth it."

Emma worked in salons around Brighton for eight years before setting up her own business two years ago. She is assisted by another fully-qualified nail technician and a trainee member of staff.

The salon provides manicures, pedicures, nail extensions and nail art. It has just introduced a new service of body art and can create temporary tattoos lasting only a day or so.

The salon can be contacted on 01273 308777.