ANYONE who fancies sitting in judgement on their family and friends should be sure to be at an auction next week.

Padded chairs from Northallerton Magistrates' Court are among the 800 lots at and antiques sale at Tennants of Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

The furniture, used by the bench as sentence was passed on thousands of cases, dates back to the early 20th Century.

It is surplus to requirements now the court is undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

Other lots in the auction on Friday, May 2, will include pictures and books from the old courtrooms.

"The chairs are not that significant historically but they may well be attractive to someone looking for curiosities," said Tennants spokeswoman Allison Preston.

"They're very big and include the crest of the old North Riding of Yorkshire."

Viewing is to be held between 9am and 7pm on Thursday, May 1. More details are available by calling (01969) 623780.