Six teams of A-level law students converged on the University of Central Lancashire to take part in the final of the Leyland college's mock trial competition.

Working in pairs, the students debated a series of real-life problems in the university's mock courtroom. Prof Richard Taylor, professor of English law at UCLan, was on hand to run the rule over the finalists and decide which pair made the best presentation.

As well as gaining a taste of the courtroom atmosphere, the finalists were able to put their skills to the test and experience the ambience of a legal hearing.

Prof Taylor said: "Our mock court room has been specifically designed to replicate the surroundings of a heated legal debate and the Runshaw College students have gained an insight into taking part in legal arguments. The standard of the competition was particularly high throughout the day, and who knows, maybe one of the finalists will become a high-profile barrister in a few years' time. It was also a fantastic opportunity for the students to see what we can offer them if they want to pursue a career in law."