YOUNG legal eagles at Bolton Sixth Form College raised the bar when they won a national competition.

Students at the college joined those from across the country to take part in the Bar National Mock Trial.

This year, competed.

Inthira Ying Wanwongsa, aged 17, won first place in the Court Artists’ Competition. She produced a drawing of one of the trials she observed.

Leading court artist Priscilla Coleman, judged the competition and said “the standard was really high.”

She said she was “extremely impressed with her use of colour and the care she took to show us the individual and unique faces of the people in the court.”

Ying has been invited to the final in London for a presentation.

Caleb Anderson, aged 18, achieved a top five place in the Court Reporters’ Competition.

He wrote a report on a mock trial he observed which was judged by a leading journalist, Katie King of Legal Cheek who said she particularly liked his use of law quotes, and the ending of his article.

The annual competition has attracted 53,000 in the 25-years it has been going who learn how the legal system works

A spokesman for Bolton Sixth Form College, said: “In the Bar Mock Trial Competition students take on the roles of barristers and witnesses and present their case against teams from other schools

First they have to become familiar with the case, then they have to battle it out in real courtrooms, in front of real judges.

“Their performances are judged by Circuit Judges, Recorders (Sheriffs in Scotland) and senior barristers or advocates. Winning teams from regional heats then fight it out in a prestigious national final.

Bolton Sixth Form College runs a Law Society for students who are interested in, or thinking of studying law and/or following a legal career.

The spokesman said: “The society is an ideal opportunity to develop interest in this fascinating subject area. The society aims to demystify law as a subject especially if you have not studied it before.

“If you are aged 14-16 and would like to join the society please register through our website or email Marketing@bolton-sfc.ac.uk”