A team from a north-east secondary school has narrowly missed out on a performing arts award.
Peterhead Academy pupils had been in the running for recognition from organisers of the UK Rock Challenge after completing a stunning five-second costume change during this year’s music and dance competition.
The pupils had earlier landed a podium finish at the annual event this year when they travelled more than 500 miles to take part. The Rock Challenge encourages youngsters to choreograph and star in a short musical of their own creation.
The teenagers beat schools from across the UK to take third place in the finals at Milton Keynes.
Last night, however, they missed out on winning Scene or Moment of the Year to West Lakes Academy in Cumbria.
Lynne Greig, who helped in Peterhead’s efforts in this year’s competition, said that the youngsters involved would not dwell on the defeat.
“I’m really quite proud of the team and the community for getting around us,” the teacher added.
“Sometimes schools do things and don’t get the support they deserve, so it was brilliant to have everyone in Peterhead voting for us.
“We did so well this year, and coming second is nothing to be sniffed at. We went to nationals and came third which in itself is an amazing achievement – to be named one of the top three schools in the whole of the United Kingdom.
“This was fantastic, and it it’s not a loss for us. It’s another win. The kids at the moment are already coming up with the choreography for next year, they’re the real stars in this.”
Judges said the Peterhead group had “mesmerised” audiences with their story of a mad scientist who attempts to end the planet’s food shortages in the year 3015 by genetically modifying plants.
Peterhead Academy had at one point been in the lead for the people’s choice award, but finished with 2,948 votes.
West Lakes just pipped them to the post with 3,028.