THE Be Your Best Foundation's Global Rock Challenge, which aims to show children they don’t need alcohol, tobacco or drugs to have fun, has been awarded a grant of £5,000 by Hampshire County Council.

The annual Rock Challenge provides the opportunity for schools to take part in a dance, drama and design spectacular in which the children are the stars.

The focus of the event is on young people leading healthy lifestyles and having fun while being 100 per cent drug-free.

The Be Your Best Foundation is a registered charity which runs the Rock Challenge in the UK with the objective of reducing drug misuse and crime among young people and encouraging them to be good citizens.

The Rock Challenge is an international anti-drug and crime prevention initiative that began in Australia and takes the form of a performing arts competition.

Heats for Hampshire schoolchildren taking part in the 2009 competition will begin in March at the Southampton and Ports-mouth Guildhalls and the final will be held in May.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: “The county council is proud to be supporting the Global Rock Challenge, which for more than a decade has provided a positive experience for hundreds of Hampshire children.

“It has proved itself to be an extremely worthwhile and effective event that teaches young people about the dangers of drugs in a lively format, while providing them with the opportunity to develop a range of new skills.”

For more information on the challenge visit www. rockchallenge.co.uk