FUN, flair, friendship and creativity dominated the popular Rock Challenge and J Rock events which saw scores of schoolchildren show off their moves.

Held over two days at the Sands Centre in Carlisle the events are the culmination of months of hard work.

The Rock Challenge idea was introduced to the UK in 1996 with the aim of helping young people enjoy school and live lifestyles free of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Later a junior version, J Rock, was brought in for young people aged seven to 11.

Schools rehearse in front of their peers and support one another before performing their five to eight minute dance, drama and design routine to a live audience of friends, family, VIP guests and a panel of judges.

Marks are awarded for production, design and performance. Awards are made for best choreography, performance skill, stage use, concept, drama, soundtrack, set design, costuming character, visual enhancement, lighting and stage crew, spirit of J Rock, costumes, and student leadership.

Top placing teams qualify through to a regional final.

On Thursday, day one, the joint team of Orgill and Moor Row primary schools took first place at the junior level - J Rock. Beckermet C of E Primary came second and third was Victoria Junior School from Workington.

Friday saw a joint team from Orgill and Moor Row primary schools take first place at the junior level, with a piece called ‘Simba’s Pride...Never Forget Who You Are’. It was the first time that Moor Row primary school had entered the competition.

Beckermet Church of England Primary came second with ‘Join the Circus’ - showing an attempted escape from an abusive circus ringmaster.

Taking third place was Victoria junior school, from Workington, with ‘I am what I am’ - Victor Frankenstein’s creature finds himself rejected and feared and returns for acceptance from his creator and to discover who he is on the inside.

Six schools from across West Cumbria took part on Thursday. There was also fantastic premier showcases from West Lakes Academy, Egremont and St Benedict’s Catholic High School, Whitehaven.

St Benedict’s performed ‘While there’s Life, there is Hope’ based on Stephen Hawking’s life and lasting legacy. Also West Lakes Academy, Egremont did ‘No good will come from a woman at sea’. Showing what happens when the sea Gods are angered by pirates.

Day two will see teams from Maryport CE Junior School, Flimby Primary School, Beckstone Primary School, Moresby Primary School, Broughton Primary School and Dearham Primary School compete, a premier showcase from Whitehaven Academy and a performance by Netherhall School.

On Friday, Flimby Primary School took first place in the J Rock competition with Dearham Primary School finishing second.

In the Rock Challenge part of the competition there is a ‘northern premier’ and ‘southern premier’ division where these premier teams showcase at a local event before competing. On Thursday saw St Benedict’s School and West Lakes Academy both perform a premier showcase. On the second day there was a showcase from Whitehaven Academy and Netherhall School.