Bradford schoolchildren were courting history at Bradford City Hall today.

The iconic listed building’s former wood-panelled traditional courtroom was being used as the setting for a case from 1910, centring on ‘Annie’, who was accused of being worse for wear “in drink” and breaking a pub window.

It was a re-enactment of a real court case taken from the Bradford archives.

The pupils then saw a typical present-day court case featuring ‘Danielle’, who was found guilty of a shop theft, committed to feed a cocaine habit.

The event, which also took place yesterday, was organised by Education Bradford and the Bradford Magistrates in the Community initiative, which helps young people understand the court system.

At yesterday’s session the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Peter Hill, explained the role of the Lord Mayor and answered questions from the children.

The pupils, who attend 13 schools across the Bradford district, were also invited to spot the difference between the two cases and were given an overview of the workings of the magistrates’ court.

Education Bradford’s Diversity and Cohesion and Health and Well-being teams are supporting the events.

Jani Rashid, Education Bradford’s head of diversity and cohesion, said: “Citizenship is an important aspect of children’s education in learning that with rights comes responsibilities.

“Using these enactments to explain how the law works prepares pupils to play an active role as young citizens.”

Shaun Morris-Armitage, of Bradford Magistrates, said: “Of course, we hope all the students have a fun time but there is very much a serious side here as well.

“In legal terms, a person becomes responsible for their own actions at the age of ten so it is important that young people get a flavour of what the criminal justice system is all about.”

e-mail: tanya.orourke@telegraphandargus.co.uk