LEGAL-MINDED pupils at a primary school in Stone have had their efforts in a mock courtroom trial recognised.

Acting the part of the prosecution in an arson trial, year six pupils at Stone with Woodford Primary School successfully persuaded the presiding judge.

For doing so, the school was awarded the Celia Hargrave award for the ‘Best Small School’ in a mock trial competition which was presented by Alan Jones JP.

In a simulated courtroom at Ebley House, Stroud in March pupils from 20 primary schools from across the county competed in a variety of legal roles to win a simulated court case.

The school’s pupils opposed peers at Woodchester Endowed Primary School who were seeking to defend two teenagers accused of setting fire to a wheelie bin at a shop.

Prior to the hearing, the prosecution considered any questions that the defence could possibly ask as well as answers witnesses could give to help them secure a prosecution.

They spent 15 hours in preparation for the trial, helped by year five children at the school who pretended to be their opponents.

Two pupils acting as solicitors had to cross-examine pupils playing the part of witnesses.

The magistrates concluded that the school’s prosecution was a success, issuing a guilty verdict.

The school was placed joint fourth overall, but beat 13 other schools to take joint first place in the small schools competition, along with Hopelands Preparatory School.

Participating pupils were given their award on Friday.