STARS shone as hundreds of talented young people celebrated a healthy lifestyle free from smoking, alcohol and drugs.
But for 60 pupils from St Andrew's College, of Cleethorpes, taking part in the 2013 Rock Challenge finals, their journey had to come from the dark side.
They gave a stunning performance of Orpheus In The Underworld at the Northern Open and Junior Finals at Grimsby Auditorium, scooping the award for the best stage crew and staging.
Signhills Academy, of Cleethorpes, also took part in Thursday's event, and the Grimsby Institute and Woodlands Primary were competing last night. Both nights involved schools from out of the area as well.
Signhills opened the show, performing dances around the theme of Recession.
The performance – called Kerching – was applauded by the packed audience.
Ruth Blanchard, 11, said: "It was great to get the experience of being in a Rock Challenge final."
Courtney Clare, 11, said: "After all the work we put in to our performance, it was amazing. I am so excited."
Amelia Weatherall, 11, said: "It was great waiting to go on stage and knowing we can all do the best we can."
The event impressed Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove, who made his debut at the Rock Challenge finals and was the first commissioner in England to attend the challenge nationally.
He said: "I am the only commissioner that has been to any of the Rock Challenge shows, so I feel very proud.
"Young people get a negative press and are portrayed as all threatening hoodies. But the vast majority are good, decent, hard-working people who we should be proud of."
Humberside Police sponsors the Rock Challenge shows in Grimsby.
Chief Inspector Dave Houchin said: "It is brilliant and a fantastic opportunity for the police to engage with a wide range of young people. We so often need to not lose sight that most young people are decent and enjoy having fun on stage as they are tonight."
St Andrew's College head of music and dance, Claire Lindstrom, told how pupils from her school were making their fourth appearance in the Rock Challenge finals.
They have taken part since the challenge began 16 years ago, thanks to teachers Theresa Cook and Stuart Connett.
The cast began their rehearsals before Christmas and rehearsed three times a week before the show. She said: "It is very popular. It finds its own life. It breaks down social barriers and gives everyone self confidence and helps in team-building.
"It also teaches the business of putting on a performance."
Results will be announced on Monday.
See Monday's Grimsby Telegraph for coverage of last night's final.
