The girls who laid foundations for the Rochdale Pioneers

Hopwood Hall College student Kirsty Jean and Jack Baldwin, who plays Charles Howarth, one of the Pioneers

If you settle down at teatime this coming Sunday to watch ‘The Rochdale Pioneers’ on Film 4 do keep watching until the end credits.

You’ll catch a roll of names of students from Hopwood Hall College’s Hair and Media Make-Up department.

The girls were specially invited by the producers to use their make-up and hair styling talents on the actors when filming took place earlier this year.

The film tells the true story of the brave and determined working men who set up the Co-operative Movement way back in 1844.

Taking part in the production has boosted the girls’ careers and confidence, explains tutor Lena Leach: “One of the girls is now working on other productions and with local bands, and three are continuing their studies at Hopwood to gain further qualifications in hairdressing and nail art. They are all looking forward to seeing their handiwork on the screen!”