MORE magistrates are needed to lay down the law in East Lancashire and people from all backgrounds are being urged to apply.

Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor, wants the part-time magistrates to be more representative of the communities they serve, with people from all ethnic groups, faiths and classes.

Laurence Loft, clerk to the East Lancashire justices, said people who want to be magistrates do not need to be experts on the law or highly educated.

He said: "It's really people's personal qualities that count.

"They have to understand local communities and society and respect people from different ethnic and social backgrounds, because they will deal with all sorts of people.

"They need experience of life beyond family, friends and work - perhaps through voluntary organisations, trade union or political work - and they need to have common sense and an open mind."

Justices of the peace can be employed, retired, run their own business or not work at all, but they do need to be able to attend court for half a day a week. The area's JPs are meant to broadly reflect the local population, and almost half East Lancashire's 300 magistrates are women.

In Burnley and Pendle, eight per cent are from an ethnic minority, and in Rossendale, 2.5 per cent are from an ethnic minority.

Ten per cent of Blackburn's JPs and 3.5 per cent of Hyndburn's JPs are from ethnic minorities.

At least 20 hours practical training is given to new magistrates, and they then take their place on the bench with two more experienced colleagues.

Mr Loft said: "Though some find they can't keep up the commitment, the majority carry on until they retire at 70."

People can apply to become magistrates at any time and Mr Loft is willing to give talks to clubs and organisations about becoming a magistrate. For more information, call 01254 687515.

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