Hope for Rock Challenge pupils

Aberdeenshire Council has pledged its commitment to helping stage a local version of a popular schools dancing competition which was recently called off.

When the organisers of the UK-wide Rock Challenge contest pulled the plug on an upcoming event in England, scores of north-east youngsters were left crestfallen.

As well as missing out on the fun of the annual bash, they feared they would not have the chance to perform the complex routines they had spent months finessing. But parents, teachers and organisers have since rallied and are determined to stage a local alternative.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has backed those aims and recently wrote to Aberdeenshire Council seeking confirmation of its support.

Yesterday, Mr Stevenson said he was “delighted” to receive a positive response.

He said: “Rock Challenge is a great experience for those involved and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to attend heats in Aberdeen and finals in Grimsby in recent years.

“The serious message behind Rock Challenge of course is the anti-drugs and anti-crime message that the event promotes. Let’s hope that we get a positive outcome for the pupils and students involved.”

The council’s head of education, Vincent Docherty, said: “We will do our very best to maintain the positive benefit a competition such as Rock Challenge provides our young people.

“We are currently investigating the viability of organising such an event and would be keen to offer support where possible.”

Stewart Stevenson at last year’s Rock Challenge