GIRLS from Bury Grammar were up before the judge at Manchester Crown Court, in a competition to prove their courtroom skills.

Sixth form students took part in the Sir Rhys Davies Mock Trial Competition, supplying their own advocates, defendants and witnesses for the event.

After studying the protocol of courtroom conduct, the girls were asked to prosecute and defend cases against teams from other schools.

The crimes on trial included perverting the course of justice and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Budding barristers Lucie Colter (18) and Helen Wilkinson (18) won the final, soliciting a favourable verdict from presiding judge, Sir Rhys Davies QC.

Members of the boys school also took part in the competition against independent schools from across Greater Manchester.

Mrs Judith Skinner, head of sixth form, said: "The girls were all superb and deserved to win, the school can really be proud of them."