YOUNG performers donned costumes and took on political themes as Rock Challenge 2019 got underway in the city last night.

The opening night at Southampton Guildhall saw Redbridge Community School, Southampton, take top spot with their performance "It's Just One Straw".

The dance explored themes of plastic pollution in the world's oceans and what we need to change to be kind to our environment.

It overcame Winchester-based Peter Symonds College's performance, which came second.

Their dance titled "One Hit Is All It Takes" explored the controversial topic of recreational drug use and highlighted that no one truly knows the damage it may cause to them.

In third place was The Henry Beaufort School, Winchester, with their piece called "Words will not define me", which followed themes of society's affect on young people.

Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh, took fourth place with "Without You" which confronted the devastation caused by war and focused on the remembrance of the ones lost, but also the families left behind.

Roch Challenge 2019 continues tonight at the Southampton Guildhall where Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, St Anne's Catholic School, The Hamble School, Itchen Sixth Form College and Testwood School will all battle it out for a place in the finals.