A RECRUITMENT drive has been launched to encourage people in North Yorkshire to become magistrates.

Anyone aged between 18 and 65, from all backgrounds, can become a magistrate. Full training is provided.

Working people can claim an allowance for loss of earnings, with many employers allowing staff time off for magisterial duties.

Mileage expenses can also be claimed.

Once recruited, magistrates must be able to complete at least five years' service before having to retire at the age of 70.

A court service spokesman said: "Magistrates must demonstrate six key qualities: good character; understanding and communication; social awareness; maturity and sound temperament; sound judgement and commitment and reliability.

"Candidates can choose to serve at a court near their home or work address and should live in North Yorkshire or close to the boundary.

"Magistrates' courts deal with 96 per cent of all criminal court cases in the UK.

"On a typical day, they might sentence a self-confessed alcoholic for driving while unfit, review a case of a person up on theft and assault charges, or deal with anti-social behaviour."

Anyone interested can visit direct. gov. uk or call Gillian Moorhouse, at Harrogate Magistrates' Court, on 01423-722008 (mornings only).