STUDENTS at Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, have become regional winners of the Magistrates’ Mock Trial Competition held at Newcastle Law Courts.

The winning pupils were presented with their trophy from Lt Gen Robin Brims, High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, who had watched one of the trials they had participated in. He said that the students were ‘incredibly impressive’.

The annual competition aims to give young people an exciting and engaging introduction to the legal system by giving them the chance to take on the roles of magistrates, lawyers, witnesses and court staff as they prosecute and defend criminal cases which are specially written for the competition.

The team of 14 year nine QES students were described by judges as ‘very well prepared’ and added that their speeches were ‘entertaining’, ‘confidently delivered’ with ‘a good knowledge of the scenario.’

QES will now progress to the national final, which will be held on June 17 at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.