THE future of Rock Challenge events across the country appears to be in doubt as competitions are postponed.

Southampton O2 Guildhall has confirmed organiser, Be Your Best Foundation, has cancelled their week with the venue.

Other venues due to stage the spectacular competition have also seen last-minute changes and the organisation behind the event has refused to comment on whether events will go ahead at all.

Hundreds of school children across the Isle of Wight take part in Rock Challenge each year, investing hundreds of hours of their time, both during school hours and in the evenings and weekends.

Teams of students spend months preparing for powerful stage shows to reflect the foundation's message that young people can get a natural high from performance and don't need drugs or alcohol.

They produce an eight-minute performance on a subject of their choice and are involved in everything from set design and costumes to make-up, acting and lighting.

Rock Challenge UK is based in Portsmouth and, when contacted, a spokesman said: "Our Executive Producers are on their way from Australia and we can't comment until they get here.

"They are preparing something for the press."

UPDATE:

Cowes Primary School and Sandown Bay CE Primary and Secondary School have both confirmed their shows will be going ahead at Portsmouth Guildhall.