THERE was a strong showing from schools in south and west Dorset who wowed judges at a performing arts event.

Competing from schools across Dorset, the Thomas Hardye School took first place in the Bournemouth Rock Challenge while IPACA came third.

The UK Rock Challenge is a registered charity and gives youngsters the change to create their own production from coming up with the original concept to the live performance.

More than 1,000 people attended the event on Friday at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre to watch 10 schools from across Dorset battle it out.

The Thomas Hardye School will now go forward to the southern finals of the event.

The Challenge was supported by the Police And Crime Commissioner For Dorset Martyn Underhill, Ansvar Insurance and CEOP.

Presenting the first prize, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Mr Angus Campbell, said: “It was an amazing and educational experience having 10 schools producing performances which just blow your mind. I never fully understood until tonight, how performance can produce the emotions and get to parts in your mind and soul that you otherwise would never see and it was created time and time again tonight.”

The third prize was presented by the mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Edward Coope. He said: “It is just incredible. It’s not just about our local schools it about all the schools in Dorset and it’s the young talent coming together. It’s been fantastic and I wish them all the very best.”

The second prize, which went to St Peter’s School, the High Sheriff of Dorset Sir Phillip Williams, who added: “I have to say, tonight’s events exceeded anything I could possibly imagine. The sheer amount of talent, ability and fun that everyone had was just great to watch and I hope it was just as great for them all to take part in.”

Thousands of young people take part in the Rock Challenge every year.

A spokesman for the organisation said: The challenge is to be the best that they can without the use of nicotine, alcohol or other drugs, and there are severe penalties for anyone who fails that challenge on any event day and for their team too.

“Research indicates that the concept works, with young people clamouring to return year after year to take part, with improved relationships with teachers at school, with a reduction - or even cessation - of substance abuse by team members and with a lower incidence of substance abuse generally within participating schools. Attendance rates are also boosted, as are staying-on rates into the sixth-form.”

Sophia Campbell, supervising event manager, said schools came together to compete in the dance competition on a professional stage.

“It is also about the chance to experience the adrenaline high - without the use of alcohol or drugs - just from being up there with their friends,” she said.

“They have been performing these routines for months and months. Everything on stage is created by the school and their school community. And some of them are student-led teams which is great to see.”

See Tuesday’s Dorset Echo for a picture special of the Rock Challenge.