A SCHEME designed to make court appearances less stressful for witnesses is due to be expanded.

For five years the Ryedale and Scarborough Victim Support Group has been helping witnesses at trials in magistrates' courts, talking them through what will happen and even arranging advance visits to the courtroom.

It was originally funded by a benefactor for two years but is now backed by Government cash.

An extra five volunteers are due to finish their training in a move which will help expand their work.

Coordinator Karen Brewer currently covers the Pickering, Scarborough and Whitby magistrates' courts on her own and she welcomed the news.

"The five volunteers have gone through a pretty intensive training programme and we are just waiting for some documentation to arrive before they can start work," she said.

"It will mean we can expand the very important work we do with witnesses across the Ryedale and North Yorkshire region."

To learn more about the scheme contact Karen on (01723) 503366