A GIRL with designs on nails has come top in a college competition.

Nikki Matthews, 26, who is studying for the International Health and Beauty Council's nail art diploma at Dudley College, was successful in the college's annual nail art competition. She received a trophy, plaque and certificate for her efforts.

Nikki, of Woodland Avenue, Kidderminster, said: "The theme for the competition was Essence of Japan and I had to produce 10 different nail designs in line with the theme.

"Among my designs were a Japanese lady, a Bonsai tree and a pagoda."

A former pupil of Wolverley High School, she works as a revenue assistant at the Inland Revenue office in Birmingham.

She also studies advanced nail techniques at Kidderminster College and aims to run her own beauty salon business by the time she is 30. She keeps her skills up to the mark by practising on family members and friends.

"I did a lot of Union Jacks and St George's Cross flag designs during the World Cup but ladybirds and desert islands are also very popular,"she said.