A Hertfordshire court is opening its doors to Watford residents who are interested in getting involved in the legal system by becoming a magistrate.

Visitors to St Albans Magistrates’ Court will be able to take part in mock trials and to meet residents who already fill the voluntary roles at an open morning.

All criminal cases begin in a magistrates’ court, and although the most serious are transferred up to a crown court, 96% of cases are decided there.

The open morning will run between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, January 28.

For more information about the day, or to find out more about becoming a magistrate, visit www.direct.gov.uk/magistrates