FOUR Bolton hairdressers are off to France to compete in a major competition.

training for Today is taking on rivals from France, Germany, Romania and Japan at the International Hairdressing Championships to be held in Le Mans -- one of Bolton's twin towns -- on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bolton girls -- Zoe Gibbons from Hair by Marcus, Kerrianne Graham from Michael Fosters, Rachel Halsall from Hair 336 and Stacey Gilfillan from Simon Webber -- had to go through a rigorous judging process to get to this stage.

Local hairdresser John Julian and Tracy Murphy, Contracts Manager at the Greater Manchester Learning and Skills Council, assessed them on cut and blow dry and blow dry.

In addition, team members had to go through two interviews with their models.

There has been support from local organisations including the LSC, Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce, Salon Centre, Matrix and Training for Today.

Liz Davis, Executive Director with the LSC -- Greater Manchester, said: "The team has done exceptionally well in the short space of time they had.

"They have shown great organisational skills and team spirit.

"I wish them well and every success at the event.

Competitors arriving at the event in Le Mans Town Hall will be welcomed by the Mayor of Le Mans, Robert Jarry.

The Learning and Skills Council is a new government body responsible for the planning and funding of all education and training post-16.