HUNDREDS of young people from schools across North Yorkshire took part in a talent showcase in York this week.

The 2015 Rock Challenge was held at the Barbican, and saw pupils from six schools take part in the event, which was supported by North Yorkshire Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan, to show young people do not need alcohol or drugs to enjoy themselves.

PC Suzanne Asquith organised the event, which saw more than 300 people perform and take part in a workshop with police ahead of the show, with pupils from Burton Green Primary School and Razzamataz York Theatre School, Boroughbridge High School, Bedale High School, Graham School in Scarborough, Richmond School and Welburn Hall Special School in Kirkbymoorside.

PC Asquith, who is youth engagement officer for North Yorkshire Police, said: “We had an amazing evening. The event was a culmination of months of hard work and dedication.

“Together with the schools and wider community, the performers have worked on sets, costumes, raised funds and taken part in healthy lifestyle workshops. Every participant should be proud of what they have achieved, showing what the young people of North Yorkshire are capable of.”

Top prize was won by Richmond School for their Fear To Tread performance, which highlights humankind’s impact on the rainforest, and second place went to Boroughbridge High School for Made By Society, which highlights how society can mould young people to look and act in a certain way.

Awards were also given for community support, social inclusion, costumes, soundtrack, performance and choreography.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: “Rock Challenge is a fantastic initiative that is not only great fun for all involved but also reinforces the message that you don’t need alcohol, drugs or other substances to have a good time.

“It was a privilege to be able to present Richmond School with their first place award for their performance of Fear To Tread. Both Rock Challenge and the Lifestyle project, which we launched last year, provide diversionary activities for young people which will also benefit local communities across North Yorkshire, giving young people positive activities to focus on.”