MP Anna Turley has praised pupils at St Peter's Catholic Voluntary Academy in South Bank, Middlesbrough, who have taken part in a legal competition.

The Labour MP said: "I have supported the Legal Eagles, team from St Peter's as they have progressed in the highly prestigious Citizenship Foundation Magistrates Mock Trial Competition. I am delighted today to be able to present individual students with their certificates for the national final.

"I am aware of the long hours of preparation after school, at weekends and during holiday periods which students and staff have devoted to have done so well to present polished and dramatic performances in the mock trial. It is amazing to think that this team is aged from twelve to fourteen and yet they have the ability to stand up in a real court of law to deliver brilliant performances. I wonder how many of us as adults can look back and think about ourselves at that age and consider, 'could I have done what this team has undertaken?'

"I know that the team have represented our area in a fantastic manner and projected very positive views of themselves, their families and their school. I have always believed that a major strength of our area is the tremendous potential and talents of our young people.

"I am aware that St Peter's is a very good school in which the principle that 'every child matters' is central and I am very happy to support this educational value."