EDEN students have made it through to the regional finals to compete for a top title.

Appleby Grammar School is now preparing for the next round of the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition after beating eight other Cumbrian schools at Kendal Magistrates’ Court.

The 12 to 14-year-olds will now compete against other finalists from Newcastle, North Tyneside, South-East Northumberland and Middlesborough in the Regional Final in Newcastle on May 9.

The students had practised their mock trial cases, taking on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and the defendant, with the help of local magistrates and legal professionals.

Nick Swinscoe, JP, organiser of the Cumbria heats, said: “The winning teams excelled themselves in the heats by overcoming very strong competition from the other schools. All the students taking part performed exceptionally and, through taking part, have learned a great deal about our legal system and the way laws underpin our society.”

The National Final will be held at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on June 20.