HUNDREDS of youngsters took to the stage to showcase their talents – and prove drugs and alcohol are not needed to have fun.

Six schools from across North Yorkshire came together to take part in the 2015 Rock Challenge event at the Barbican in York.

The challenge aims to show how young people can have fun and be their best without the need for alcohol or drugs.

It is seen as an innovative way to tackle “quality of life” issues among young people, giving the youngsters themselves the chance to play their part in reducing anti-social behaviour in their communities.

And the overall first prize went to Richmond School with their performance “Fear to Tread” - highlighting mankind’s impact on the rainforest and the ecosystems that depend on it for survival.

They beat schools from Boroughbridge, Bedale, Scarborough, Kirkbymoorside and York to take the title and will go on to represent North Yorkshire at the Northern Open Final in June.

The county’s police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan presented the prize and said: “Rock Challenge is a fantastic initiative that is not only great fun for all involved but also reinforces the message that you don’t need alcohol, drugs or other substances to have a good time.

“It was a privilege to be able to present Richmond School with their first place award.”