WITH 350 years' service between them, a little celebration seemed in order.

And so 13 magistrates from Warrington gathered together after being awarded certificates to mark their achievement.

They each received framed mementos, produced by former chairman of the bench Jim Pearson, at the latest half-yearly meeting of Warrington magistrates at Stockton Heath Methodist Church Hall.

All 13 were presented with certificates produced by the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Peter Laycock, chairman of the bench, said: "It is difficult to adequately recognise the commitment and quality of service to the community by so many unpaid volunteers.

"Each of my colleagues deserves the highest praise for their many years of contribution to the dispensation of justice in the town.

"The bench is always on the look-out to add new members. Colleagues are drawn from all sectors of the community.

"They are fully trained and have the support of legal advisors when they sit in court."

Anyone interested can call Karen Hazeldine at the court office on 236250 or visitthe Arpley Street offices on any weekday other than Thursday.