DANCERS from Richmond School carried off several major awards after competing in the northern finals of a rock challenge competition run by the Be Your Best foundation.

The foundation is a global group which encourages young people to lead healthy lifestyles without the need for tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.

Youngsters from Richmond School staged an energetic performance entitled “Fear to Tread” exploring the theme of rainforest destruction.

Lady Sarah McCorquodale Patron of the Be Your Best Foundation said she was particularly impressed by the quality of the performances. She added “The show has been spectacular. The effort that the schools have put into their performances can clearly be seen and is a credit to the hard work and determination of every young person involved. I always look forward to attending the Northern Finals and the standard has been extremely high yet again.”

The finals were held in Grimsby with dancers from as far away as Northern Ireland, Cumbria and Nottingham taking part.

Richmond School won awards for costuming character, visual enhancement and entertainment for their piece which highlighted the dangers of losing the Amazon rainforest where an area the size of six football pitches is lost every minute, killing wildlife and destroying habitats.

The event is sponsored by Ansvar Insurance and backed by the police and BAE Systems. The winners were Outwood Academy Valley, from Nottingham, who will take part in the finals in Milton Keynes on July 6.