Our young performers have Quay to success

THEY took to the stage to showcase the best of East Yorkshire's talent.

Now, Quay Primary School in Bridlington, Hornsea Primary and Gillshill Primary in Hull are celebrating after scooping the first, second and third, respectively, in Humberside Police's first Junior Rock Challenge final.

Beth Marshall, Year 2 teacher at Quay Primary, told the Mail everyone at the school was "floating on a cloud" after finding out they had won the dance and drama competition.

She said: "It was so unexpected. Just to get through to the finals was amazing, as we qualified as the highest runner-up.

"There is something special about Rock Challenge. We have had so much support from the community.

"First prize is a thank you to everybody who has helped us."

The event, which took place at Grimsby Auditorium, aims to encourage youngsters to be their best without the need for artificial stimulants, and to achieve a natural, drug-free high through performance.

The children at Quay Primary School found out they had won yesterday lunchtime.

Tigra Ingham, 9, said: "There was great excitement for all of us, especially when Mrs Marshall told us we had won. Some of us cried."

For Caitlyn Talbot, the news was a great way to celebrate her 11th birthday.

She said: "I didn't think we would win but it's the best birthday present ever."

Henry Tyson, 9, said: "It's not about winning, it's about taking part, but I'm really happy we won.

"It was scary at first, going on the stage, but it soon stopped being scary."

More than 70 children were part of the school's performance, which looked at the four saints of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Mrs Marshall, who organised the school's performance with fellow Year 2 teacher Karen Chapman, said: "It's been hard work but I'm hugely proud of everyone who was involved.

"There were squeals and hugs when we broke the news to everyone."

During the three days of heats, 36 schools and 3,115 students took part, competing against schools from the north of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Hornsea Primary came second while Gillshill Primary took third place.

In the secondary school finals, Cottingham High School finished in second place and will next year be a Premier School, competing against other Premier Schools in the country.

Each school had to perform an eight-minute themed piece on stage and students and teachers came together and work on stage set, costumes and lighting design.

David Hilton, director of performing arts at Cottingham High School, said: "Our piece reflects the confusion, devastation and sorrow from the bombs in London in 2005."

PE teacher Wendie Peaks helped organise the piece with 80 students.

Mr Hilton said: "The standard of all the schools' performances was excellent.

"Our pupils were well-focused. They knew what to do and where to be. It was 100 per cent energy."

Humberside Police brought Rock Challenge to the region in 1997. This year has also seen the first ever Youth Division event.

Superintendent Samantha Manning, head of the Humberside Police community safety unit, said: "These stunning events capture the ethos of the initiative, illustrating that young people can excel while achieving the all-important natural, drug-free high through performance."