ASTLEY St Mary's RC High students rocked the judges with their up-beat performance in an international arts challenge.

The Astley pupils lifted the 1999 Manchester Rock Challenge title after a hard-fought event at the city's Bridgewater Hall.

The 38 Year 10 drama students, led by teacher Mrs C Swann, with help from the Street Dance Workshop, defeated 10 other schools in the Greater Manchester Police organised competition to go on to the national finals in Grimsby.

Their eight-minute long piece, set to contemporary music featuring Duran Duran and The Verve and entitled " A Night Out", examined a typical night out for young people - and what happens when drugs are on offer.

It won the school £250 and a gold CD.

Over 750 students from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Cumbria competed in the challenge, started in Australia, which asks schools to enter an original piece of work reflecting the personalities, concerns, hopes, dreams and interests of those who create it.

It also asks youngsters to be the best they can be without the false highs of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, and to celebrate youth culture.

Mrs Swann said: "We are all thrilled to bring more drama honour to the school, and are looking forward to the next round in which we hope to do just as well."

The finalists could be selected for the European Millenium Tour next year and be invited to watch the Australian finals in August - if sponsorship can be found.

Pictured: Representatives of Astley St Mary's RC High School drama students receive their "On The Beat" prize from Greater Manchester Police Chief, David Wilmott.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.