A NEW scheme to recruit staff for Magistrates Court is being piloted in North Cumbria.

The Government is investing more than £1 million into a programme of work to target areas across the country to recruit more magistrates, and promote the magistracy as an attractive career option to a diverse range of applicants.

Under-represented groups will be targeted and the work will also include a more modern application and recruitment process.

The news has been welcomed by Carlisle MP John Stevenson.

He said: ""The magistracy plays a crucial role in our justice system. Retaining our magistrates court here in Carlisle is vitally important, and the recruitment of magistrates is pivotal to this.

"It is pleasing to see a targeted marketing campaign and modern recruitment processes being applied and I would encourage anyone interested in the role to come forward."

The trial will start on Monday, July 19 and run for a total of two months.

Magistrates do not actually need formal qualifications or legal training. They will be fully trained for the role, and a legal adviser in court will help with questions about the law.