Those interested in becoming a magistrate can get an introduction through open days held later this month.

Current magistrates will be on hand for tours, and offer insights into the day-to-day workings of a magistrates court.

“Open evenings are a great way for people to find out more about what becoming a magistrate entails,” said Mrs Kath Starr, chairman of Gwent Bench.

“Many people don’t realise that anyone can apply to become a magistrate. The courts really benefit from having magistrates with as varied a background as possible and we need to recruit applicants from across a spectrum of society.

“There are absolutely no bars to applying, though some jobs, such as working for the police or prison service, do make you ineligible. That aside, anybody else can apply, whether you’re working or not, fit or disabled, just as long as you’re aged between 18 and 65. We are particularly interested in recruiting younger magistrates,” she said.

Applicants don’t need any specific qualifications or legal training but must have visited a court in session at least once before applying.

Open days will be held on January 10, 17 and 24 at Newport Magistrates’ Court, and January 12 and 16 at Cwmbran Magistrates’.

For more information, visit: gov.uk/courts