Primary schools in Watford and Chipperfield have made it through to the Southern final of nationwide performing arts competition The Rock Challenge.

Due to their success in the regional competitions, Laurance Haines School in Watford and St Paul’s C of E Primary School in Chipperfield have qualified to the Southern J Rock final, and will be competing for first place at Portsmouth Guildhall from Wednesday, June 17.

Across the four Southern Finals last year over 5000 audience members, VIPs and Sponsors travelled to Portsmouth Guildhall to watch and support the young people involved.

The Rock Challenge was first introduced to this country in 1996, and since this date the nationwide performing arts competition has consistently inspired, engaged and motivated young people across the UK.

Chairman of the Be Your Best Foundation, George Cooil, has attended a number of the 2013 events and it looking forward to also showing his support across the Southern finals.

He said: "It has been a pleasure to watch such diverse and high quality range of performances so far on this year’s tour and the finals are sure to be exceptional evenings.

"It really is rewarding to see how the youth of today can flourish in a 100 per cent drug, tobacco and alcohol free environment.

"While it is great for the finalists to have qualified, every single participant involved in this year’s competition should be really proud of themselves as the commitment and dedication has been clear to see and the standard of performances higher than ever."