YOUNGSTERS danced the night away in a bid to wow judges at the Rock Challenge Southern Open Final.

Students from Richard Taunton Sixth Form College took first prize at Portsmouth Guildhall with a performance entitled Forbidden Hope.

It told the story of the peaceful protesters caught up in the violence of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China in 1989 and earned a place in the 2018 Rock Challenge premier division.

The team of 70 dancers and stage crew also scooped more than 11 awards of excellence for areas including choreography, concept, drama skills and stage use.

Principal of Richard Taunton, Alice Wrighton, said: “I am delighted and very proud.

“This win is hugely deserved by our talented students and by our very dedicated and professional team of performing arts teachers who have supported and developed them through this project.

“It’s all about creativity, resilience, hard work and commitment. It’s great to take part, but when your team wins, it’s something special.”

Students were asked to show their skills in a five to eight-minute performance.

Robert May’s School from Hook came second, followed by the West Sussex-based St Paul’s Catholic College, Christ the King College from the Isle of Wight and Waterlooville-based Horndean Technology College.

The Southampton-based Regents Park Community College took part to the event and received awards of excellence for costuming, stage crew, video performance, entertainment and lighting.

Glyn Wright, Be Your Best Foundation director and second place prize presenter, said: “Ten amazing schools, ten amazing productions, fantastically thought out themes, brilliant costumes and colourful makeup, what a great evening we’ve had!”