Competition was fierce with 10 salons and 50 apprentices all competing to be GWI’s Junior of the Year 2012.

Young hopefuls came together from GWI hairdressing salons across Kent, London and Essex for the event celebrating the graduation and achievements of the salons’ trainees.

Held at the Stag Theatre in London Road, Sevenoaks, the event’s judges included Jamie Farrar and Stephen McDowell, from hair care brand Clynol.

Walking away with the accolade of GWI Junior of the Year 2012 was Sophie Wattingham from Bromley.

On the night, there were also a few awards for the more established members of staff including 10 years service awards for Hannah Slater and Gemma McCurry who were honoured for a decade of devotion to the Graham Webb International brand.

Shelley Steadman of the Bromley salon was also presented with Manager of the Year and Charlotte Iantosca won the Customer Service Shield.

Jed Hamill, Managing Director of GWI, was impressed by the level of talent he saw on the night. He said: “Some of the styles created by our salons, particularly by our juniors, were outstanding. The judges really had their work cut out for them.”

“The competition was fierce, but I think we’ve found a worthy winner in Sophie for Junior of the Year 2012. She’s worked incredibly hard and shown great talent in her time with us at GWI.

“She’s completely swept the board.

“I’m so proud of our team and the Junior Competition is a celebration of all that they have achieved over the last year.”

The winners

First Year Student of the Year Winner: Lauren Hares, Tonbridge Second place: Sophie Hare, Lee Green Third place: Sophie Archer, Sevenoaks

Second Year Student of the Year Winner: Eloise Goodwin, Tonbridge Second place: Chelsey Barnsley, Bexleyheath Third place: Sammie Rogers, Sevenoaks

Third Year Student of the Year Winner: Sophie Wattingham, Bromley Second place: Natalie Vousden, Tunbridge Wells Third place: Hayley Fone, Lee Green

Fantasy/Artistic Impressions Award Winner: Sophie Wattingham, Bromley Second place: Chloe MacKeldon, Tunbridge Wells Third place: Amy Loveday, Sidcup

Graham Webb Open Competition Shelley Steadman, Bromley

Clynol Colour Shield Sophie Wattingham, Bromley

Academy Student of the Year 2011/2012 Bethany Marsh, Sevenoaks

Junior of the Year Sophie Wattingham, Bromley

As winners of the Graham Webb Open Competition and Junior of the Year, Shelley and Sophie also won the opportunity of a place on a professional photo shoot.

Both will get the opportunity to work with a professional shoot team and create their very own collection shots.