Pupils of Henry Beaufort School, Winchester, have proved their winning ways in court again.

Their performance in a Hampshire heat of the Magistrates' Court Mock Trial competition, in Fareham Court House, has won them a place in the regioinal final to be held in Southampton in June.

Last year, the Beaufort team were runners-up in the national final and Kate and Rebecca Massey-Chase sat in on training sessions to give the Year 8 and 9 pupils the benefit of their experience.

"Be accurate, don't ask leading questions and keep them relevant and short," was Rebecca's advice to advocates Anna Stevenson, Clare Sydney, Hayley Wilmott and Caroline Browne, who appeared for the prosecution and defence respectively.

All schools are given details of the same criminal case and copies of police statements. From this, they develop ideas and characters.

However, this is no rehearsed drama as, during the trial, they either represent or prosecute a defendant from another school.

Martin Browne, Beaufort assistant head, has been working with the team since January.

"It is an experience of the adult world and complements the citizenship curriculum introduced last year," he said. "Nearly 50% of the students who take part decide to pursue a legal career.

"Although it is intimidating to be judged by magistrates and legal professionals, it builds confidence and is great fun."