STUDENTS from the Beckfoot School in Bingley are dreaming of London after winning through to the regional final of a mock trials competition.

The pupils are one step away from testing themselves in the national final - which will be held at the capital's Royal Courts of Justice in June - of the Magistrates' Court Mock Trials contest.

Beckfoot was one of seven schools competing in the local heat at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court on Saturday. There were four other Bradford district schools taking part: Dixons City Academy, Belle Vue Girls Academy, Grange Technology College and Ilkley Grammar School.

Teams of up to 13 students used witness statements to prepare prosecution and defence for a specially-written criminal case. They played witnesses, lawyers, magistrates and court officials and were then marked by three former magistrates who were acting as contest judges.

The High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, was at the event and gave a speech to the pupils taking part.

Organiser Mick Richings said: "The comments of the High Sheriff summed up the competition very well, where he congratulated everyone involved in putting on a very successful competition, and the teams on their performance and achieving a very high standard.

"During his year in office he has observed quite a few mock trial competitions and this heat was the most competitive he's observed - so, well done indeed.

"The winners Beckfoot School were clear winners and should do well in the regional final. In addressing the schools, both our bench chairman Vicky Reynolds and the High Sheriff acknowledged the commitment from the teaching staff in producing such a high standard. Without the teaching staff's help and perseverance it wouldn't have been the success the day was."

Mr Anderson said: "I think it is absolutely brilliant. It is brilliant for the kids and a credit to the magistrates, the teachers and the parents for all the support that they give.

"It is a fantastic experience for the kids and an amazing opportunity to get an insight into the working of the court."

Beckfoot will now take part in the regional final on May 14 at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court. The national final is on June 18.

The national competition involves more than 4,000 students from 300 schools and 1,700 legal professional volunteers at 50 courts.

The Magistrates' Court Mock Trial competition, which has been running since 1994, introduces the legal system to young people.

The competition, run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates' Association, is open to pupils aged between 12 and 14.

All the youngsters who took part in the event on Saturday will be able to watch Bradford Bulls take on Halifax in June thanks to a ticket giveaway by the Bradford Bulls Foundation.

Mark Winder, chief executive officer of the Foundation, said 200 free tickets would be given to the children, and added: "It is part of a deal to engage people who are making a positive impact in the community."