Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 08 May 2008

A WORKINGTON school won this year’s regional Rock Challenge and booked its place in the national final.

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DANCE: Pupils from Cockermouth School who took part in Rock Challenge

Southfield School won the competition, which aims to get pupils working together by performing and showing team building skills in a campaign against drink and drug abuse.

Schools from as far as way as Liverpool joined in the North West division competition, which was held at Carlisle’s Sands Centre last weekend.

Netherhall School, Maryport, finished second and Stainburn School, Workington, came in third.

Lorton School, St Joseph’s Catholic School, Workington, and Cockermouth School also took part in the competition.

Southfield headteacher Lynda Dalkin was delighted with her school’s performance called Keep On Running, which was based on the journey a group of refugees looking for a better life.

She said: “It has been a phenomenal achievement from everyone involved.

“It was a real team effort and I am outstandingly proud of our students.

“A special mention must be mentioned to the staff and the parents for putting in hours of work to make all this come together.”

Teams had four minutes to set up the stage and then had seven minutes to perform without using words.

Rebecca Whitmarsh, head of music at the school, organised the entry.

Mrs Whitmarsh said 18-year-old Laura Morris and year seven pupils Anna Holmes and Ashley Farnsworth were the school’s main performers.

She said: “Our theme was once again about a real life issue and the students put a lot of emotion into what was a well-presented performance.

“The students carried the story off extremely well and I am very proud of them all.

“Our performers are from across all year groups and we have spent many hours after school and during the holidays rehearsing with Clare Ferguson.

“Clare choreographed the dance and we would once again like to thank her for all the hard work that she has put in.”

Ninety Southfield students were involved in the performance, and as well as winning the event Southfield also picked up awards for best choreography, best backstage crew, best video performance and media management.

Mrs Whitfield said: “This team has worked hard ensuring that rehearsals are scheduled, costumes are ready and organising students in working behind the scenes.”

Southfield will now take part in the national final in Grimsby on May 30, to the delight of Mrs Dalkin.

She said: “We did very well in the regional competition and I am sure that we will do well nationally.

“I am delighted that we will be able to showcase our performance to other winning schools.”