A DORCHESTER middle school took away eight awards and a third place finish at a performance and dance contest.

St Osmund’s Middle School travelled to Southampton Guildhall for the second year for the Be Your Best J-Rock challenge, competing against several other schools from around the area.

The performance of their piece entitled ‘Murder Mystery’ saw them highly commended by judges.

J-Rock looks to encourage young people across the country to embrace a healthy lifestyle without drugs, tobacco or alcohol.

As well as taking away third place, the school took away awards of excellence for choreography, performance skill, stage use, concept, drama, soundtrack, entertainment and lighting.

Assistant headteacher, Fiona Brady, was pleased with how the day went.

She said: “We’re really pleased, it’s only the second year we have entered.

“We were great last year but we didn’t know the full extent of how you could get involved in it.

“Governors gave us some funds and we did some fundraising. We put together a set and some costumes. We had a big staff involved and around 70 children.

“The day is long and tiring as we’re there from 9am and don’t get back until well in to the night. They stay all day and watch the others rehearse. It’s really great to see them interacting with children from the other schools.”

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