Schoolchildren from Bradford took to the stage last night to battle it out to claim their place in the final of the Rock Challenge.

Four schools from the Bradford district have been taking part in the competition at St George’s Hall along with eight other schools from Yorkshire.

Southfield School and Thornton Grammar School showed off their skills last night – with Tong High School and Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College preparing to spring into action this evening.

Last night’s winner was Rodillian School, Wakefield, but Bradford’s Southfield School came a close second.

Southfield School’s performance called ‘The City of?’ which portrayed the idea of superheroes saving the city has been highly praised by organisers.

Thornton Grammar School shook their tail feathers to give a performance called ‘Tina’ in tribute to the female rock artist Tina Turner.

But as Thornton Grammar School is in the UK’s ten Northern Premier Division schools, they were not eligible to be placed at the event.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, attended the event last night and presented the first prize to the winners.

Rock Challenge is a series of performing arts events which promotes healthy life choices. It invites students to take the reins of their performance giving them the control to choreograph their own eight-minute dance-drama routine capturing their concerns, hopes, dreams and interests.

The youngsters, aged between 11 and 18, were also required to design their sets and make their costumes.

A panel of judges made up of performing arts specialists’ will put another school through tonight which will join Rodillian School in the June final.

Stuart McGregor, assistant UK manager of the Be Your Best Foundation, said the event celebrated young people’s talents and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

He said: "The idea is to show that, through a healthy lifestyle and performing arts, young people can live a worthwhile, uplifting life, a life that doesn't have to involve alcohol, drugs and tobacco.

“We really enjoy bringing the show to the North, the talent, particularly from some of the schools in Bradford is very high.

“The show has been a fantastic success and we are really proud of the job all of the performers did tonight.

“Southfield School were fantastic, they really got the audience going. They were just terrific.”

Mr McGregor said students were competing for a place in a 'premiership' of schools that have succeeded in previous Rock Challenge events.