YOUNGSTERS danced the night away as they took part in the third Rock Challenge heat.

Hundreds of parents, grandparents, friends and siblings last night packed the O2 Guildhall Southampton to watch as school and college children went head to head in the latest round of the ultimate dance competition.

Among those that took part were St Anne’s Catholic School who scooped first prize after their performance based on the classic Owl and the Pussycat poem.

Second prize went to Toynebee School who told the tale of two detectives that battled to unmask a villain, while Hamble Community Sports College were awarded third place with their performance which explored the effects of drink.

Meanwhile Great Oaks School’s dance told the story of birthdayhating The Grump, while Wildern School used their performance to celebrate the 20 years since Faretrade products came to the UK and Itchen Sixth Form College adapted the Biblical tale The Prodigal Son for a modern audience.

They were up against Alton’s Eggar’s School, Dorset’s The Gryphon School and Oxford’s Headington School.

It comes after Regents Park Community College won Tuesday’s round, with Woodlands Community College taking second place and Fareham’s The Henry Cort Community College coming third.

Tonight Blackfield Primary School, Carisbrooke CE Primary School, Colden Common Primary School, Netley Abbey Junior School, Stanmore Primary School and Valentine Primary School will take part in the first of three junior competitions.

Winners from each heat will compete again in June to be named overall champions of the ninth annual challenge.