YOUNG legal eagles from Bromsgrove proved they could handle the pressures of the courts after winning a mock trial competition.

Students from Aston Fields Middle School took top honours in the Worcestershire heat of this year's national Schools Mock Trial competition, held at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Students between 12-14-years-old from 10 schools across the county competed against one another in a specially written case in which the defendant was accused of dishonestly receiving a stolen bicycle.

They played the parts of magistrates, prosecution and defence lawyers, the defendant, witnesses and court officials, with their performances judged by local magistrates and other legal professionals.

The school celebrated a double victory as the award for best court reporter went to Eleanor Bedford from Aston Fields.

Winning teams from 63 heats will now go forward to the regional finals in May, which are followed by the prestigious national finals in Nottingham.