Students from Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College took part in the local heat of the Mock Trials competition.

The school's law and criminology teacher, Laura Thompson, went with 10 students from Year 8 and 9 to Cannock Magistrates' Court.

Students had been rehearsing since November for the event which is part of the Young Citizens education charity.

Teacher Laura Thompson who took the Sandbach students said: The case involved an assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"The students took on a range of roles from witnesses to lawyers and court personnel to act out the case.

"They have worked really hard, and it has been an absolute pleasure to introduce them to the work of the legal system.

"In Round One we were up against stiff competition from Wilmslow High School where we were defending. This really challenged our students and took them out of their comfort zone. We had a guilty verdict against us.

In Round Two we were against Codsall Middle school where we were prosecuting. I was amazed at our students' ability to question under pressure and it really shone through how well they knew the case.

"Sadly our journey ends there. It was indicated to us by our support Magistrates that the scores were close for us. A wonderful day had by all though."

Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, presented students with their certificates.

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