Budding young lawyers at a Norfolk school are on top of the world after winning third place in the mock trial world championships.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

They are the only British school to make the top three list ahead of 28 US schools and five international teams.

Seven Springwood High School students, in King's Lynn, took on the roles of prosecutors, defenders and witnesses in the Empire Mock Trial world championships on November 18, with teacher and team leader Hayley Roberts.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

They are Sam Mount, 18, Abbi Peters, 17, Rachel Ampomah, 16, Izzie Russen, 16, Adam White, 16, Elliot Simpson, 17, and Sophie Ward, 16.

After a gruelling four weeks of preparation, the team flew to the Big Apple armed with the knowledge of US law and the backing of numerous supporters - including the High Sheriff of Norfolk James Bagge.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Last year, the team came fourth in the world in the competition and so the pressure was on to top that achievement.

And they even faced drama outside of the courtroom, after the fire brigade were called to rescue another team stuck in the lifts of Manhattan District Court, which delayed first round of 20 trials of the competition.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

But the team said they were proud to be placed bronze winners, adding: 'It was very hard work at times, along with us all having A-levels to study for along with part time jobs as it meant we did seven-day weeks for four whole weeks.

'However, it was all worth it in the end when we became bronze winners.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

'Miss Roberts said that when we come to leaving school, we will be well set up for the world of work.

Mr Bagge, who accompanied the team on their trip to New York, and a former barrister himself, said: 'The maturity and intellectual agility of these students cannot be overstated.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

'Judges in the competition described them as awesome and that they would happily have them sit with them as junior counsel any day.'

To celebrate their success, the legal eagles presented their winning case to legal professionals and dignitaries at Norwich Crown Court before Mr Justice Garnham.

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

The team said: 'We are so grateful for the support of our school, our sponsors and our supporters.'

Eastern Daily Press: Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Springwood School Mock Trial team took part in the New York mock trial championships and won third place. They perform a rerun at Norwich Crown Court. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Eastern Daily Press: Students at Springwood School came third in a mock trial competition in New York. Pictured are (from left) Sam Mount, Abi Peters, Izzie Russen, Rachel Ampomah, Adam White and Elliot Simpson. Picture: Ian BurtStudents at Springwood School came third in a mock trial competition in New York. Pictured are (from left) Sam Mount, Abi Peters, Izzie Russen, Rachel Ampomah, Adam White and Elliot Simpson. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)