SOUTHAMPTON’S talented young performers are excitedly gearing up for one of the highlights of the dance calendar.

The annual Rock Challenge will see school and college pupils from across the area battle it out for prestigious Rock Challenge titles.

With more than 40 schools from across Hampshire taking part in the “achieve the extraordinary” six-day event, it’s the pinnacle of weeks of creative choreography and months of dedicated rehearsals.

Several schools and colleges have been picked out as ‘ones to watch’ this year, with hopes high for Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, Regents Park Community College, Itchen Sixth Form College, Calmore Junior School and Wellow Primary School.

Rock Challenge assistant event manager Charlotte Payne said the atmosphere was positive.

She said: “The ethos of supporting other teams and making healthy and positive choices which is encouraged by Rock Challenge is always so well embraced by everyone who takes part.

“It is great to see the teams encouraging one another during the day and congratulating each other on their performances, and is one of my favourite things about Rock Challenge and J Rock.”

Be Your Best Foundation CEO David Beal added: “The Be Your Best Foundation is proud to produce Rock Challenge and J Rock again in 2018.

“The chance to perform at a professional venue is such an invaluable opportunity for young people and is an incredible experience for everyone involved.”

The Daily Echo invited schools to submit photos of their young performers, for publication in the paper and online at dailyecho.co.uk

We are delighted to publish the submissions in this special eight-page supplement.

School performances start today and will run until Saturday.