WITHOUT a court in Coleford any more the annual mock trials involving local primary schools took place in the Forest of Dean District Council's council chamber.

It proved a great success, with ten schools competing and pupils playing the parts of solicitors, magistrates, arresting officers and, of course, alleged criminals.

"The standard achieved by such young children is staggering," reported organising magistrate John Williams.

"It was very hard to judge – the level of competence was very close indeed. The winning school was St John's Team A from Coleford who put in an outstanding performance. Well done."

The competition is organised by local magistrates and is held in spring each year. It gives the children a good insight into what actually happens in a magistrates court, said Mr Williams.

"The outcome is not pre-determined and a guilty or not guilty result is down to the ingenuity and questioning of the prosecution and defence and the performance of all those taking part.

"The children really take on their roles most seriously and I must say they did themselves and their teachers justice – excuse the pun!"