A SHADOWING scheme to get more black and ethnic minority representatives working as magistrates in High Wycombe has had its first success after two women applied to join the bench.

Kirti Patel and Pamela Roberts, both from High Wycombe, have applied to become magistrates after taking part in the shadowing scheme at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court.

A third woman, Kumraz Khan, is also considering applying.

The three women followed a magistrate in his duties and were taken to other courts in the area to get a feel for what the job entails.

On Monday the three women travelled to London with magistrate Arif Hussain, from Wooburn Moor, to meet Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, at a graduation ceremony to mark the end of the shadowing programme.

High Wycombe Magistrates' Court was one of 55 across the country to take part in the scheme.

Mr Hussain said: "It is a really good idea to try and get more ethnic minority representatives.

"A lot of people don't realise what magistrates do so it is great to help them understand that.

"I think they all really enjoyed it and hopefully they will get through the application process."

Lord Falconer said: "The Magistrates Shadowing Scheme provides a window into the judiciary - an institution which many people in society and particularly minority ethnic communities have traditionally seen as a closed and a somewhat aloof institution.

"The scheme shows that magistrates come from all walks of life.

"And more than that - it says to those people that you are welcome, you can make a contribution - get involved."

The shadowing scheme will begin again in February.