A MAKEUP artist says she is "gobsmacked" to have won the North West Award for Bridal Makeup 2017.

Jenna Alexander, 32, from Askam was completely surprised when she was nominated for the prize in County Brides magazine.

Mrs Alexander said: "When I was told that I'd been nominated for the award, I had no idea about it.

"It was such a shock to be nominated."

Once she had been nominated, Mrs Alexander had to share a link she was given to gain as many votes as possible to win.

She shared this through her makeup page, Makeup by Jenna Alexander.

It was the huge support she received from votes online that led to her winning the award.

She said: "I was so shocked to have won. I am delighted to have won, it was a lovely surprise because I didn't expect to win."

Mrs Alexander works as a freelance and as part of the Hair Lounge in Scott Street, Barrow.

After receiving the award, said: "It made it feel more real to get the award. I'm very happy to have won."

Mrs Alexander has been doing makeup for about 13 years, having trained in London. When she was younger, she won a competition to carry out work experience with the BBC, as well as doing work experience with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Bridal work makes up the bulk of Mrs Alexander's work, although she does often have clients who want their makeup done for nights out or other special occasions.

Mrs Alexander said she would like to thank everyone who voted for her. She said: "I am completely honoured and overwhelmed to have won an award like this that includes the whole of the North West."