ANIMALS were brought to life on stage at the finals of a school performing arts competition.

A team from Robert May’s School, in Odiham, competed against other schools in the 2015 Southern Rock Challenge finals, and were declared fifth overall, as well as winning the Hampshire Constabulary Award of Excellence for Stage Use.

The talented students showcased fabulous animal costumes and stunning makeup as they danced on stage amongst a jungle-themed backdrop.

Their piece was aimed at making the audience consider the consequences our actions might have on the planet.

Yateley School was awarded first place for their performance, which retold the story of the 7,000 children from British Care Homes who were shipped to Australia between 1945 and 1967, where they faced hard labour, horrific abuse and cruelty.

The schools competed against each other at the final, held at Portsmouth Guildhall, watched by a large audience and supported by various organisations including Hampshire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Hampshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

Rock Challenge has been running in the UK since 1996.

It is facilitated by charity The Be Your Best Foundation, and each year hundreds of students take part.

Sir Hugh Orde, a past president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, and former chief constable for the police service of Northern Ireland, attended the evening at Portsmouth Guildhall, and described it as “simply brilliant”.

He added: “I’ve not been to Rock Challenge before but the talent, the commitment, and the professionalism was simply aweinspiring and these young people have done themselves proud.”

Sophia Campbell, event manager, added: “Tonight was an incredible evening that showcased exactly why the Rock Challenge is such a dynamic and exciting event for both young people and audiences. It was so exciting to see all the hard work, determination and enthusiasm just radiate from the stage.”