THREE North-East students have witnessed the launch of a new Act decribed as the biggest change to the English justice system since the Magna Carta.

Joanne Mann, Lisa Hewitson and Claire Jay, from Darlington, were invited by the Home Office to the launch of the Human Rights Act, in London.

The trio, who are pupils at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, designed a website in a competition to publicise the Act.

Their entry was one of 30 shortlisted from more than 200 entries across the country by students.

During the visit, they met the Lord Chancellor Lord Irvine, Home Secretary Jack Straw and the Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair.

Joanne, Lisa and Claire, who are all studying for their A-levels, were each presented with a certificate for their achievement.

The Human Rights Act, which became law on Monday, enshrines in English law a number of rights, including the right to a fair trial, right to privacy, and the right to marry and have a family