COUNTY Durham's probation service is searching for local people to play a part in developing criminal justice in the region.

As part of a major modernisation process, the service is looking for representatives from a range of backgrounds, who have a particular interest in overseeing and guiding the development of new approaches to crime and punishment.

Successful applicants will become part of a new Probation Board, which will be responsible for all probation work in County Durham, ranging from Darlington to Peterlee and across to Bishop Auckland.

They will be at the helm of modernising the probation service, and will have the chance to influence local and national decision-making relating to crime and punishment.

County Durham's chief probation officer, Pam McPhee, said: "The Home Office is interested in attracting board members from all kinds of backgrounds.

"This is a very important opportunity for people who represent the local community to influence the future of the probation service."

New board members will need to contribute one to two days per month to probation business, and will be paid anhourly rate of £14.

Those interested should contact Pam McPhee for an informal discussion, on 0191-383 9083