Students from a Bushey school have proven triumphant at the regional heats of a mock trial competition.

Taking on the roles of witnesses, defendants and lawyers, 13 students aged between 12 and 14, from Bushey Meads School, competed against other schools at West London Magistrates’ Court in Hammersmith.

The Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition, organised by charity the citizenship foundation, aims to introduce the legal system to young people in an innovative and exciting way, giving them the opportunity to gain hands on experience.

Now in its eighteenth year, the competition involves young people throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; every year over 6,000 young people and 800 magistrates and other legal professionals are involved in the competition.

Children Kevin Tailor, James Roberts, Louis McManus, Edward Hopper, Dylan Kelly, Sarita Mehta, Thomas Jarvis, Sunita Mehta, Cherry Hla, Alexandra Lazarou, Ben Nunes, Olly Brown, and Eleanor Williamson were chosen to represent Bushey Meads School in Coldharbour Lane.

Pitted against students from schools in Acton and Southgate, they argued cases concerning the re-selling of Olympic tickets, among others, on Saturday, May 5.

School co-ordinator Claire Bailey, who is responsible for organising students for the annual event, said: "The team did us proud.

"When we heard our names called we were all cheering and hugging.

"Myself, fellow teacher Ms Knowles and Mr Young were, obviously, thrilled for the children and we will now need to turn our attention to the National final in Nottingham on Saturday, June 16.

"I must congratulate the team once again on their tremendous achievement in this prestigious competition.

"We will begin rehearsals again next Wednesday and I know the team will do themselves proud in June."

The school has entered the competition consecutively for the last four years, coming away with the winning plate last year.