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

The vacancies are open across the county and they are for anyone aged between 18-65 with full training given.

Once recruited magistrates should serve at least 26 half days a year and are expected to do at least five years service before they retire at 70.

Mileage expenses can also be claimed and claims can be made for loss of earnins when working as a magistrate.

A court service spokesman said: "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."

Details on roles in the Northallerton or Scarborough area can be got from direct.gov.uk.

They can also be got from Gillian Moorhouse, at Harrogate magistrates court, on 01423-722003 or Lynne White, at Scarborough Magistrates Court, on 01723-505012.