IT was all about the rhythm and the groove, respect and confidence, when students from Exmouth Community College took part in workshops by street dancing group and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists, Flava.

The dance group works closely with Devon and Cornwall police to promote the message of respect in schools across the region.

Head of dance, Judi Shankster-Jones, said: "Flava visited to promote positive messages about self-respect, respecting others and your community — all positive messages endorsed by the police."

About 100 year nine students, both boys and girls, participated in the workshops over two days and then performed alongside Flava in a 45-minute piece, to a 300-strong audience.

"The performance included dance routines and stylised drama movement pieces promoting the message, 'Don't give in to peer pressure, be confident and make the right choices'," Judi continued.

"The students absolutely loved it and were all so buzzed, and their behaviour was incredible.

"It was brilliant to see some of the more reserved students up there on stage enjoying it. It was hugely successful in raising the confidence and self-esteem of the students."

In addition to funding from Devon and Cornwall police, sponsorship from Devon Cliffs Holiday Park at Sandy Bay and Exmouth Tescos enabled Flava's visit to the school.

Judi added: "The school is promoting dance in a big way to encourage healthier lifestyles, and our next big project is Dance for Life in the summer term, which also encourages dance being accessible to everyone and supports the government's anti-obesity campaign."