(Left to right): Molly Wishart, Amber Frost, The Latimer Arts College Principal Siobhan Hearne, Maddie Boreham, and Ben Smith.

Four Year 12 students at The Latimer Arts College in Kettering have won an annual Northamptonshire anti-bullying song competition, held on Friday 26th February at the Spinney Hill Theatre in Northampton.

The students – Maddie Boreham, Amber Frost, Molly Wishart and Ben Smith – performed their song, ‘Stars can’t shine without darkness,’ in front of an audience of 450 as part of an event run by the creative music programme, Notivate, and featuring over 70 children from primary and secondary schools across the County.

This was the fifth time The Latimer Arts College have entered the annual competition, having won twice previously in 2012 and 2013.

As well as receiving a trophy, each of the winners were given a £10 Amazon voucher for their efforts.

The Latimer Arts Students will next be making an official recording of their song at The Stables’ Studio in Milton Keynes, after which it will be shared with schools and youth clubs across Northamptonshire in the summer.

Amber said: “Our song focuses on how there can always be a positive outcome, even when you’re suffering.

“I wrote the lyrics after thinking about how people can sometimes say things which hurt. We felt it was really important to cover the challenges of both bullying and mental health. We’re so thrilled to have won – the judges and audience were incredibly supportive.”

Maddie, who sang the piece, added: “We started with a really good idea for a song linked to an arrangement of ‘Hallelujah.’ Amber began writing and got Molly involved on the piano and Ben on drums, and it all just came together. We’re so proud of this song.”

Tina Squires, Learning Mentor at The Latimer Arts College, commented: “We feel it’s very important for our students to get involved with positive anti-bullying messages.

“The music really helps gets the point across. We’re thrilled with this year’s Notivate performance and the song will be played in all of our assemblies next week.”