A BRADFORD judge has challenged the idea that law is for "a certain type of person" in his latest courtroom class with college students.

Judge Jonathan Rose said a "crucial" part of recruiting the next generation of lawyers is showing them how to get involved.

Research shows only 1.6 per cent of people in law are from an ethnic background while women make up just 28 per cent.

The judge said: "The law is for people from all walks of life.

"I want to inform young people in Bradford that there is a future for them in the law, that there’s many different areas of law.

"They will bring something to our great legal system.

"The law needs them.

"If you think you want to be a lawyer then you just would think about it.

"If we tell them what it is, what areas it covers and how important that work is then we’ve got the future.

"It’s a realistic option. Life has so many opportunities."

More than 70 sixth-form pupils from the Bradford district took part in his Student Pre-University Court Exposure (SPRUCE) programme.

The course offers pupils a chance to hear from practicing professionals including judges, barristers, and solicitors on the varied career pathways open to them if they choose to study law. It covers areas including criminal law, business law, family law, civil law, and citizens’ advice and the law.

When the first course took place in 2015 24 students got involved.

But now, with over 70 involved, SPRUCE has been relocated from Bradford Crown Court to the larger old court room in City Hall.

Ricky Kimasha, who was a speaker at this summer's event, shadowed Judge Rose as a law student back in 2015.

The 26-year-old told Judge Rose how he had worked in pro-bono law, or voluntary legal assistance, and was asked to become a speaker.

The Bradford-born barrister says it makes all the difference to see people in law from different backgrounds.

He said: " I’ve done it since the first SPRUCE in 2015 but it’s been interesting.

"It first started in the Crown Court so that’s been really exciting.

"That’s been really key. I have to explain that I grew up in Bradford - to see someone from the area is in many ways to do away with the perception of it’s people from a certain background."

The SPRUCE helps students develop a range of skills, such as critical thinking, debate and analytical skills, they will also be able to learn about the law and how it is made and reflect on what is right and wrong.

This year's collective had the opportunity to witness Judge Rose in action at Bradford Crown Court.

Samayah Siddiya has just finished Year 13 and is set to study law at university this September.

She said: "He let us sit in a case with him. That’s what justice is about – helping other people.

"You don’t just learn verbally you learn from experience.

"I didn’t know that there was so many different routes into it."

Halima Khanom, a Year 12 student, says she has appreciated hearing about the ups and downs of the career.

She said: "They tell you about the difficulties they’ve gone through. I feel like it’s a big opportunity."