Worcestershire youngsters raise the bar at a mock trial competition held in the city

The county heat of the national Magistrates Court Schools Mock Trial competition saw schools come together at Worcester Magistrates Court with the students, aged between 12 and 14-years-old, taking on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, and court staff in a role play scenario in which a defendant had stolen a Playstation 4 console.

It was the 21st year of the school's mock trial, run by the Citizen Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates' Association, which is organised for students to learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system, while developing confidence in personal skills such as public speaking and team working.

The winner of the competition was Lacon Childe School, with the runner up being Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC College. Students from these schools will now prepare for a new case at a regional final in May, with the winner of that heat moving on to the national final in June.

Among the individual winners were Millie Dyer from Lacon Childe, who was awarded most outstanding pupil, and Caitlin Mobley, from St John's Middle School, for best court artist.

At Saturday's event, youngsters were also able to have a go at being a court reporter, with pupils challenged to write their own report of the trial, complete with headline, all within a tight deadline.

The winner of this category was Hannah Clubley from Blessed Edward RC School - chosen by Worcester News reporter Sam Greenway, who judged the entries and presented the trophy.

Other prizes were presented by his honour, Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC, who said afterwards he was impressed by the standard and the skills of the children who took part.