SIX new magistrates have been sworn in at Northallerton Courthouse.

Howard Charles, chairman of the bench, welcomed everyone to the court and stated that he hoped the new magistrates would find the position they now hold, rewarding, interesting and challenging.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, the new magistrates and their families were given separate tours of the court including the cells.

The new magistrates are, from left: Michael Clark, Pauline Beckett, Elaine Walton, Eddie Fearnside, Paul Middlebrook, Nigel Knapton