A mock trial competition with children prosecuting and defending has taken place in Cirencester.

Held in Cirencester Baptist Church, schools in the area took part in the authentic feeling trials, including a magistrate presiding over each case.

Throughout Tuesday, March 19, and Thursday, March 21, pupils from schools took part in the trials watched by an audience of parents, teachers, and pupils from other schools taking part.

First prize for the trial was awarded to Northleach Primary School with Stratton runners up.

Northleach also scooped the awards for best individual performer and best individual costume.

Best court artist and best court reporter was awarded to Stratton Primary School.

First place for poster of the event went to Coberley, best team costume was awarded to Cold Aston with Ashton Keynes awarded the best special recommendation for performance.

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Ruth FitzJohn enjoyed the cut and thrust of the cross examination of witnesses.

"I learnt something of the magistrates courts today.

"These young people make me confident of the future.

"They produced high quality performances showing that real effort had been made."

Mayor of Cirencester, Nigel Robbins, sat in the crowded public gallery and was keen to see the performances of the local children.

"The children are developing their abilities in public speaking and working in the highly structured environment of a courtroom. "That will be of great benefit to them in their lives."

Police officers also attended the trials, and PCSO Zee Bulbul was keen on the usefulness of the experience for the children involved.

"The professionalism of the children playing all the parts in the courtroom drama is impressive.

"They have obviously learnt how the court system operates which is something many adults do not know.

"They should be proud of themselves."