PUPILS at St Monica's RC High School brought order to a mock trial competition and walked away with the top prize.

The Year 9 youngsters had to prepare a case for the defence and the prosecution and take on the role of magistrates, lawyers, court staff and witnesses for a mock trial situation.

Despite being up against pupils from top grammar schools in the north west, the team from St Monica's impressed competition judges with their skill and preparation.

The competition was held at Trafford Magistrates Court and the school is now through to the regional finals in June.

Preparing the case formed part of their citizenship lessons and gave them an opportunity to gain an understanding of the British justice system.

English teacher Miss Kerry Smith said: "The pupils worked extremely hard for this competition. They put in an enormous amount of time and were very committed. They absolutely deserved to win and I am immensely proud of them.