STUDENTS and members of the public are being pampered and preened at a new state-of-the-art spa at James Watt College in Greenock.

Eden opened in November following an overhaul of beauty therapy facilities at the Finnart Street campus and huge investment from college bosses.

Students can now gain first-hand experience of a real-life salon while picking up vital skills and putting their learning into practice.

Members of the public are also benefiting from the new facility, with various treatments on offer from massages to manicures and lashes to leg waxing all done to a professional standard.

In total, the fourth floor spa has 22 treatment beds complete with modern waiting and reception area and relaxation booths for that expert feel.

There is an adjoining teaching room plus kitchen facilities and high-tech lighting and music equipment.

The spa also boasts panoramic views of Greenock, the River Clyde and beyond.

Morven Aikman, curriculum manager and make-up artistry lecturer at James Watt College, said: "It's been used by the public, students, their friends and family plus college staff members.

"Students love it, staff love it, clients love it and the rest of the staff in the college are jealous of the facilities.

"It's been really well received and it has made a tremendous difference to everyone." The Tele was given a look around as students showed off all aspects of the facility.

Allison Boak, 19, from Port Glasgow, is a wellness therapy student at the college and is loving her new modern learning environment, which she says is dramatically improving students' skills.

She said: "The spa is absolutely brilliant to work in.

"It is so helpful to be in a working environment like this and so helpful for us as learners to be in a professional salon." Also on hand were students Debbie Knight, 31, from Largs, Ashleigh O'Connor, 22, from Greenock and Lauren McCormick, 28, from Port Glasgow.

The spa is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 4pm and on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 7pm.

It offers relaxation, wellness and beauty therapies plus eye treatments, hair removal and nails, fake tan, make-up and male grooming services.

For more information about Eden call 554088 or visit www.jameswatt.ac.uk