THESE two Bolton teenagers ARE the Young Faces of 96 - and that's official!

Rachel Clark, of Horseshoe Lane, Bromley Cross, and Lee Darcy, from Wigan Road, Deane, have just won this top title in a competition run by the Bolton Evening News in conjunction with the Ralph Kleeli Hair Salon in Churchbank.

Dozens of entries poured into the salon after the competition was first announced in July.

And it proved to be a difficult task to narrow it down to just five finalists who had the right look for today. Each winner and runner-up received a gift-wrapped basket of L'Oreal's Inne range.

But for winners Rachel and Lee, the prizes also included a makeover, make-up and super photographs of the finished results for them to keep.

Ralph Kleeli said Rachel was chosen because all ages could relate to her.

"She has a clear, soft complexion and bright eyes, and is very natural-looking with a heartwarming smile," he said. For the makeover, Louise, the salon's art director, felt that the shape of Rachel's face would be better suited if she had a fringe and the hair at the sides tucked behind her ears to accentuate her bright eyes.

She also chose a flattering flicked out look for the back of Rachel's hair.

Her natural deep auburn tones were made more vibrant with L'Oreal's Epicea and several blonde "slices" were applied to the front area to soften the style and add interest.

Lee Darcy was chosen because he "epitomised the local lad around town." Ralph said: "He has a friendly, non-threatening look with strong features that photograph well."

Lee normally wore his hair in a centre parting but, for the makeover, Louise brought his hair forward more onto his face, and she cut layers much shorter on top, creating a more up-to-date image.

Lee's naturally dark blonde hair had a lighter shade combed into it at the front to break up his natural colour and, when dry, Tecni-Wax was applied for shine.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.