KNUTSFORD Academy students are proving themselves legal eagles in a national competition.

A team of year 9 students won the local regional qualifier for the national Mock Magistrates Competition.

They were competing against five local schools at the event, which was hosted at Warrington Magistrates Court.

The competition is run by the Citizenship Foundation and aims to promote public speaking for teenagers in real world environments.

The students were given a mock magistrates trial case in November, and then spent every Friday lunchtime preparing both sides of the case for the trial, as well as attending the event at Warrington Magistrates Court on March 10.

Each pupil took on a different role, including magistrates, lawyers, witnesses, a legal advisor, an usher and a court reporter.

Teacher Clare Bond said: “They were superb on the day, winning the case when we both prosecuted and defended.

“They demonstrated confidence, poise and were an excellent representation for the school.

“We are all so very proud of this achievement and look forward to receiving the next case for the regional heats.”