Law-savvy Cumbrian students will be making their way to the Old Bailey thanks to their quick-thinking and impressive skills in the courtroom.

The group of 17 pupils from Keswick School won the Citizenship Foundation North of England Mock Trial competition and bagged themselves a place in the national final.

They took on seven schools from across the region, including local rival Cockermouth School, at the competition held at Newcastle Crown Court.

The students, from years 11 to 13, had been practising for the competition since the beginning of term, perfecting their legal arguments and witness statements in preparation for a challenging experience and it was something headteacher Simon Jackson said paid off.

"To win the North of England heat and progress on to the national finals at the Old Bailey is a remarkable achievement in only our second year of involvement in this competition," he said.

"It is testament to the students’ preparation and ability to think and react on their feet that they managed to impress the judges to such an extent that one remarked on pinching a few ideas for their future summing up. A wonderful achievement."

The team consisted of two prosecution barristers, two defence barristers, four witnesses, an usher, a court clerk, five jurors, a court reporter and a court artist.

Year 13 pupil Bethan Savage, who posed as a barrister, said: "Taking part in the mock trial competition was one of the scariest and most exhilarating things I've ever done. The whole thing was like a game of mental chess, played not only with your team members but against people you've only just met.

"I am so proud of my team, and I know that the many long hours we put into our preparation have paid off. If I had the chance, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

"I know now that I am definitely going to love studying law at university."

Ellie Dalton, a year 12 'witness', said it was "nerve-racking" but enjoyable. "I just wouldn’t like to be standing in the dock for real: that really would be scary," she added.

The pupils, who received certificates and a shield for their win, were supported by teaching staff and two barristers from Dere Street Barristers, Newcastle.

In round one they successfully defended their first case against Cockermouth School before going on to prosecute in the second and final rounds.

Keswick School and St Bede’s Catholic Academy and Sixth Form College,

Durham, will compete against the other finalists in March 2017.