ANYONE who fancies sitting in judgement on their family and friends should be sure to be at an auction in Leyburn this week.

Padded chairs from Northallerton's magistrates court are among 800 lots to be auctioned at the antiques sale at Tennants.

The chairs, used by the court bench for announcing sentencing, have been used in thousands of cases, dating back to the early twentieth century.

The chair is now surplus to the requirements since the rooms of justice are undergoing refurbishment.

Other lots will include pictures and books from the old courtrooms.

Tennants spokeswoman, Allison Preston said: "The chairs are not that significant historically but may well be attractive to someone looking for curiosities."

Viewing for the sale is to be held between 9am and 7pm on Thursday.

Further details are available by telephoning (01969) 623780.