A STATE-of-the-art hair and beauty school at Bradford College was opened by one of the world's top hair stylists.

Patrick Cameron spent much of today in the college's £50 million David Hockney Building, which is the new home of the hair and beauty courses.

The event also marked the centre being named one of only 50 'centres of excellence' by hair products company Wella.

Now fully operational, the facilities will be used by 250 hair and beauty students and boast an advanced laser clinic, day spa, specialist nail bar and media make-up room. All of which were not available to students in their previous classrooms.

The salons are designed to give students real-life salon experience in a busy environment, with the facilities run as commercial outlets.

During his visit Mr Cameron said: “The students are the hairdressing professionals of tomorrow, so for me it’s really important to invest in them and their future.

"When you look at the people starting out in the industry it’s really interesting for them to see how aspirational hairdressers can be.

"It’s not just about the corner salon; hairdressing is a multi-billion dollar industry and can take you all over the world. I think success is about being happy and creative, hairdressing is definitely one of those things where you have to be both."

On the David Hockney building he said: "It's an incredible building, absolutely incredible. It is a real jewel for Bradford, it is just so bright. We need young people to get into this industry and this place will inspire them."

During the event, guests were treated to demonstrations by Mr Cameron, who worked with professional models to create salon looks.

Wella representative Paul Oscroft presented the centre of excellence award.

He said: “It is a very special occasion for us as there are only 30 colleges nationally that have the Wella Centre of Excellence Award.

"What it represents to us is a true partnership between the college and us as a supplier.

"What we aim to do is to support the college to be able to deliver the best possible training to their students, because for us it’s all about the students and employability for those students - that’s what’s really key.

"What we try to do is work with the college to support them get the best possible start in their hairdressing career.”

Janice Richardson, programme manager for beauty, therapy and hairdressing, described Mr Cameron as a "legend" in the hairdressing industry.

“The new facilities have been tailor made to meet the needs of the hair and beauty industry for trainee stylists and therapists," she said.

"Our students are trained using current products, brands and specialist equipment, which makes them highly employable.”