Talented students at a Lowestoft high school have secured a place in the finals of a prestigious national dance contest.
Later this month youngsters from Benjamin Britten Music Academy will head to Grimsby to compete in the national final of Rock Challenge.
It comes after the students from the academy in Blyford Road returned home triumphant from the regional heats in Rotherham after winning second place overall and collecting 11 Excellence Awards.
With this being only the second year that the high school had entered the competition, the youngsters have been praised for their 'dedication and talent.'
This year's entry was based on the true life story of George Stinney Jr, a 14-year-old who was wrongly accused of murder in 1944. He became the youngest person to be executed in the USA in the 20th century – but more than 70 years after his death his conviction was overturned.
After performing to a live audience of friends, family, guests and a panel of judges, the academy students were marked in three criteria areas – production, design and performance. They were later presented with 11 Awards of Excellence in a variety of areas.
Head of Expressive Arts at Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics, Corinne Breen, said: 'This has been a fantastic opportunity for the students. They have worked so hard to produce the best possible dance piece. The team here are amazing and the whole school community have supported the team's effort. We are all so excited to be going to the National Finals on June 30, this is only the second year we have participated and this achievement is a testament to the student's dedication and talent.'
George Butler, 15, who plays the lead character said: 'I am so proud of everything we have achieved here at school.' Jamie Coleman, 16, said: 'Since joining the school in year seven I have been in all 10 productions, performed with the choir and have been a senior performing arts leader. To end my journey at a national final is a dream come true.'
The Rock Challenge national final takes place on Friday, June 30 at the Grimsby Auditorium. Ahead of this, the students will showcase their performance on Tuesday, June 27 at the academy with doors opening at 6.15pm and the show commencing at 6.30pm. Tickets are £3 and can be purchased from the school office.
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