STUDENTS from Sir John Deane's College appeared in Liverpool Crown Court this week - but they hadn't done anything wrong!

Instead, they were acting out a mock trial. The 10-strong team of upper-sixth students are taking part in a national competition organised by The Bar Council and Citizenship Foundation.

They will go up against other sixth-form colleges in the North West and take on roles as prosecution and defence advocates, as well as jurors.

Most of the teenagers are studying A-level politics or history at the Northwich college, and some hope to go on to study law at university.

Karen McCormack, one of the students, said: 'We've been preparing for this competition for the past six weeks now and we are really excited about taking part. Finalists from the regional heats get the chance to go to London and act out a case.

'We are also really grateful to Joyce Jones, who has helped us organise our competition entry.'

As part of the preparations for the contest, Mrs Jones, a teacher at Sir John Deane's, organised for students to attend Liverpool Crown Court to observe proceedings.

She then arranged for a barrister to visit the college and talk to students about the legal profession and review the case so far.

Former student Graham Lock, who has since gone on to study law, returned to the college to assist the team.