Students at Bradford on Avon’s St Laurence School were laying down the law last week, when they had a taste of a real-life courtroom drama.

A team of 11 Year 9s won the Magistrates’ Mock Trial competition at Gloucester Magistrates’ Court on March 22.

They beat four other teams from across the South West, after researching a case about a stolen bicycle and taking turns to defend and prosecute.

Teacher Trudi Chatfield said: “They were absolutely great and they were particularly pleased because they got the defendant acquitted when they were defending and got the conviction when they were prosecuting.”

Ruby Gwilliam, 14, said: "This experience has been more of an adrenaline rush than going on a ride at Alton Towers.”

The team is now preparing for the next round.