YOUNGSTERS from a Lowton school took Manchester by storm to win a police-backed regional drama award.

The 43 pupils from Year Nine, 10 and 11 at Lowton Community High School were thrilled after winning first prize of a trophy and £1,000 for their moving performance in the 'On the Beat' finals organised by Greater Manchester Police at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall.

They beat competitors from 10 other schools in the closely fought contest and despite travelling the furthest distance from Manchester, brought the most supporters, with 230 fans coming from Lowton.

Youngsters at all the competing schools were asked to create a piece of drama based around the theme of "Our Community, our future, our responsibility".

Drama teacher at Lowton High School Cath Gorman is convinced her group won because the final message was so hopeful.

She said: "The kids bust a gut over the past four months in getting the piece ready and it is important to emphasise that it was entirely their idea.

"I just asked them the questions what is our community, what is our future and what is our responsibility and they did the rest.

"The piece was entirely integrated and included song, movement, drama and ritual.

"I was really proud of them because they were just so focused.

"They weren't just entertaining, but were given an opportunity to actually say something.

"The performance showed destruction with a scene tearing up dreams, but it was ultimately hopeful and I think that's why they won.

"Plus, we were the only school which did everything live with all our own music."

The prize money will now be invested in a new lighting system for the school's drama studio.

The competition was set up as part of GMP's Youth Matters programme which aims to involve young people in pro-active community projects by looking at ways of dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour as well as encouraging better citizenship.