VOLUNTEERS are needed to take on the role of magistrates with a deadline of November 30 to put their name forward.

Those interested should be aged between 18 and 65 and able to attend court on a voluntary basis.

Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire William Bromley Davenport is chairman of the Cheshire Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace.

He said: "Magistrates are ordinary people from local communities, and with very few exceptions anyone can apply.

"If you are of good character with social awareness, sound judgement and knowledge of the community you live in, you could be a magistrate."

Meanwhile a new Justice of the Peace, Christine Ann Hanslip, has been appointed to serve at Northwich Magistrates' Court.

Anyone who is interested in being a JP should either ring the magistrates recruitment line on 0800 003007, the county council on 01244 602445 or email chris.wilson@cheshire.gov.uk