A scheme to encourage more people from ethnic minorities to become involved in the legal process has been re-launched in Bradford.

The Magistrates Shadowing Scheme will see up to eight members of the city's ethnic minority community groups team up with magistrates to observe court cases and legal proceedings.

The idea is for them to act as ambassadors, passing on information to help break down people's preconceptions about the court system.

It is hoped at least half of those taking part in the scheme, jointly run by the Lord Chancellor's Department and Operation Black Vote, will become magistrates boosting the number of ethnic minority magistrates in Bradford.

There are just short of 250 magistrates on the Bradford Bench, of which 19 per cent are from ethnic minorities.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, said he recognised the need for better representation of Asian and black people sitting as JPs. He believes steps are being taken to rectify the problem.

"The Government is strongly committed to a lay magistracy which reflects and understands the local community it serves," he said.

"We are strong supporters of initiatives that break down barriers to an understanding of the criminal justice system."

Successful applicants will spend 12 days over a six-month period learning all about the courthouse processes.

Lorna Forrest, who took part in the scheme in Bradford last year, said she was so impressed she was considering becoming a magistrate herself.

She said: "I thought they (magistrates) were all middle-class retired, white people who had both the time and money not to work. I now know that not everyone is like that."

Simon Woolley, national organiser for Operation Black Vote, said: "I am very optimistic that this year's scheme will produce the next generation of community leaders."