TALENTED school pupils were given the rare chance to see inside Glasgow Sheriff Court after hours as they took part in a public speaking competition organised by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Eight pupils from Craigholme School, Fernhill School. Eastbank Academy and Glasgow Gaelic School were finalists in the public speaking competition.

The second and third pupils attended the Glasgow and Strathkelvin Local Court Final to discuss the issue of mental health and what can be done in Scotland to raise awareness and remove the stigma.

They were met with a judging panel of some of Scotland's most senior law enforcers including Moira Orr, from the Procurator Fiscal Local Court Glasgow and Strathkelvin; Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull and Chief Inspector David Pettigrew.

The competition, which is now in its fifth year, is open to schools across Scotland, and aims to encourage young people to enhance their public speaking skills.

The winners were Johanna Peters and Jessica Gow, of the Glasgow Gaelic School who impressed the audience with their speeches and debating style.

They, however, faced tough competition from Libby Campbell and Alice Abbott. from Craigholme School; Morgan Grier and Ella McIndoe, from Fernhill School, and James Bendoris and Macy McGairy from Eastbank Academy.

Johanna and Jessica will now compete in a national semi final with North Strathclyde to win a place in the Scottish final in May.

Moira Orr, from the Procurator Fiscal Local Court Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said: "The pupils were so impressive. Every single person who spoke tonight had done so much work, the standard was incredibly high, and it was both informative and entertaining for us to listen to as judges.

"No matter what career people are thinking of going into, being able to speak in public is an advantage."

"As a Glaswegian myself, I am wishing them all the best in the semi-finals."

Chief Inspector David Pettigrew added: "It was really difficult to choose between all the teams because they put in a tremendous amount of work to deliver their presentations.

"They were all confident and articulate, and I think they have done themselves proud."