TALENTED young performers from Hampshire have been taking to the stage for this year's Global Rock Challenge.

Children aged 11 to 18, from 27 schools, filled Southampton Guildhall in a bid to show off their musical talents, promoting self-esteem and an anti-drugs and anti-crime message.

More than 2,500 children took part in the four-day Southampton leg of the national event but only four overall winning teams could make it through to the next heat.

First-place winners Hamble Community Sports College in Hamble, Regents Park School in Southampton, Costello Technol-ogy College in Basingstoke and Highcliffe School from Dorset will compete in the Southern Open Final at Portsmouth Guildhall on May 20.

The four schools were presented with £250 each and a first-place winner's plaque.

Students from Hamble Community Sports College, who last year claimed second place, won their round with a performance entitled Deadline.

The piece explored how different people cope with deadlines, from a calm, meticulously organised man to a mother juggling responsibilities.

Schools in second place that were given runners-up plaques included Brune Park Community School in Gosport, Cowes High School boys' team, Woodlands Community School in Southampton and Henry Cort School from Fareham.

Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh, Wildern School team two in Hedge End, St Vincent College in Gosport and St Anne's School from Southampton all won third-place plaques.

This was the tenth annual Global Rock Challenge celebration held in the city, and was supported by the Be Your Best Foundation, Hampshire Constabulary, Southampton City Council and the Hampshire Drugs Action team.

Other schools that won special awards were Medina High School, Redbridge Community School, Wyvern Technology College and King Alfred's Sports College.