COUNTY school pupils are making final preparations ahead of a visit to the dock.

Budding law enforcers, aged 12 to 14-years-old, will be taking part in the School Mock Trial Competition, being held at Worcester Magistrates Court on Saturday, March 14.

Pupils take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and the defendant in a specially written case.

In this year's case, the defendant stands accused of dishonestly receiving a stolen mobile phone.

The competition, run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association, enables students to learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system, and to develop confidence in personal skills, such as public speaking, analysis techniques and team working.

The schools taking part this year include North Bromsgrove High, St Johns C of E Middle, Waseley Hills High, Droitwich Spa High and Alcester Academy.

The overall winners of last year's competition - Aston Fields Middle School, in Drummond Road, will be returning to defend the trophy.

Local magistrates and other legal professionals help the teams prepare before the competition, then judge the students' performances on the day.

As well as the overall winners, both team and individuals, there is also a competition for the best court reporter and court artist.

The Press Cup is is presented by Peter John - Editor of the Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch and Alcester Advertisers - with local artist Anne Scrimshaw presenting best court artist award.

The winning team and runners up go to the regional finals in May and if successful they head to the Mock Trial national final, being held in Birmingham in June.