West Berkshire pupils face court

Groups of 12 to 14-year-olds will take on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and a defendant to take part in the 18th annual competition, which is run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association.
The pupils will learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system - the law, procedures, consequences and the staff - as well as developing personal skills such as public speaking, analysis techniques and working as a team.
Little Heath School, Tilehurst, Denefield School, Tilehurst and Park House School, Newbury will have be competing on Saturday, March 3, at Reading Crown Court, and the Kennet School, Thatcham, The Willink School, Burghfield Common, and Trinity School, Newbury, will take part on Saturday, March 10.
The top teams winning through from the heats will take part in the regional final on Saturday, May 12 at Reading Crown Court.
The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Robert Woods, will be attending as the patron as well as the high sheriffs from the surrounding counties and several mayors.
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, The Hon. Mary Bayliss, will also be at the regional final.