RLakin

Last updated 01:00, Thursday, 19 April 2007

By Richard Lakin

Talented youngsters from across Cumbria will be hoping to win the Sands Centre audience over tomorrow when they take part in Rock Challenge 2007.

The Rock Challenge is an international performing arts competition for schools and colleges which focuses on driving home positive messages about substance misuse and crime prevention by providing young people with the opportunity to experience a drug free high.

This year the message is “Be Your Best – Be Yourself” as the Rock Challenge reaches out across the world to young people in Australia, South Africa, Europe, Dubai and Tokyo as well as the UK.

The event was introduced into the UK in 1996 by Hampshire Constabulary who have continued to support and develop the Rock Challenge to offer young people a credible alternative to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

In the UK the event is produced by the Be Your Best Foundation, a registered charity set up to promote the education, health and citizenship of young people.

Due to great demand for the event this year there will be a two-night heat at the Sands Centre (tomorrow and Saturday), with winners from each night going through to the northern open final at Grimsby Auditorium on May 25.

The event starts at 7pm and schools taking part tomorrow are Beacon Hill Community School, Aspatria; Cockermouth School, Cockermouth; Firpark School, Motherwell; Mayfield School, Whitehaven; Seaton C of E Junior School, Workington; St Aidans County High School, Carlisle; St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Workington; Stainburn School and Science College, Workington; The Lakes School Specialist Sports College, Windermere; and Beckstone Primary School, Workington.

On Saturday schools taking part are Lowton Community Sports College, Cheshire; Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton; Netherall School and Specialist Sports College, Maryport; Southfield Technology College, Workington; St Benedicts and Whitehaven Schools, Whitehaven; Derwent Vale Primary School, Workington and Westfield Primary School in Workington.

Tickets cost £9. Call 01228 625222.