TEENAGERS are ready to represent the North-East in the UK final of a law contest.

The pupils, aged 13 and 14, from Northfield School, Billingham, are to take part in The Citizenship Foundation Mock Trial Competition, in Birmingham next month, after winning the Northern final.

At that contest, which was held in Kendal, Cumbria, the team had to prosecute a case of racially aggravated assault at a football match and defend a case of fly-tipping.

They were provided with an outline case by the foundation but had to prepare opening speeches and closing defence speeches.

Carol Parker, from the school, said: "We are very proud of the students. They have worked very hard and are very dedicated, we wish them all the best for July 10."

As well as the team's success, 13-year-old Jonathan Reilly has won the foundation's court reporter's competition.

He had to witness the team's trial and then follow it up with interviews from the witnesses before condensing the report into 250 words.

He will receive his award at the UK final.

Mrs Parker said: "It is the first time a team from Northfield has entered the competition and we are immensely proud of them.

"Jonathan was thrilled he had won the competition and as he was only 12 when he entered it is such an achievement to win the UK final."

The competition has resulted in 11 of the 13-strong team now considering a career in law.