THE future of Rock Challenge events across the country appears to be in doubt as competitions are postponed.

Southampton O2 Guildhall has confirmed that the organiser, Be Your Best Foundation, has cancelled their week with the venue.

Other venues due to stage the spectacular competition have also seen last-minute changes and the organisation behind the event has refused to comment on whether events will go ahead at all.

Thousands of school children across the UK take part in Rock Challenge events every year, produced by the worldwide Be Your Best Foundation.

Wellow Primary School in West Wellow were preparing for the competition this year following many years of successful try-outs.

Last year, the school took top-spot and were presented with an award from MP Caroline Nokes.

They were followed by runners-up St Patricks Primary School, with Bitterne Manor Primary School in third.

A spokesperson from the Wellow Primary School said: "We have heard many rumours [about the cancellations] but we have not had anything confirmed yet by the company."

Dozens of schools from across Hampshire take part every year, investing hundreds of hours of their time, both during school hours and in the evenings and weekends.

Teams of students spend months preparing for powerful stage shows to reflect the foundation's message that young people can get a natural high from performance and don't need drugs or alcohol.

They produce an eight-minute performance on a subject of their choice and are involved in everything from set design and costumes to make-up, acting and lighting.

Rock Challenge UK is based in Portsmouth and, when contacted by the Daily Echo, a spokesman said: "Our Executive Producers are on their way from Australia and we can't comment until they get here.

"They are preparing something for the press."