The special open day, organised by Northwich magistrates and police headquarters, offered a chance for people to get a behind-the-scenes look at modern justice.

"It was successful way beyond expectation," said Sgt Gary Marshall.

"We had about 2,000 people through the doors of the station, and there were more than 1,000 visitors to the court. That's a far bigger response than for any other open day either of the places has held."

Top attraction was the tour of the cells, deep within the police headquarters, and a road safety roadshow on the Memorial Hall Plaza was also a big success.

Sgt Marshall added: "People were interested in every aspect that we had to offer, from road safety to weapons handling, from self-defence to court procedure."

At the court, visitors were treated to an exhibition on the history of justice in Northwich, and could see a mock trial in action.

Chairman of the Bench of Magistrates, Philippa Appleby said: "We were delighted to be able to unveil the courts for the people of Vale Royal.

"The courts still remain a mystery to many people, a situation which the Lord Chancellor is very keen to amend. So we were happy to oblige and show something of the day-to-day running of the courts, and of a proper trial."

The police have left the last word on the subject to six-year-old James Harries, of Alvanley Rise in Leftwich, who wrote to the police thanking them for the open day.

"I especially enjoyed riding a police motorbike and using the police baton," wrote James.

"Thank you for a very enjoyable day."

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