SIX Huntingdonshire magistrates were among the first in the country to be recognised with long service certificates. It follows an initiative launched by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice. In a ceremony at the George Hotel, Huntingdon, the Lord-

SIX Huntingdonshire magistrates were among the first in the country to be recognised with long service certificates.

It follows an initiative launched by the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice.

In a ceremony at the George Hotel, Huntingdon, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly, presented long service certificates to magistrates from each of the county's five benches, including Huntingdonshire, who have served 20 years or more.

One of them, Hunts quantity surveyor Martin Ballard, has been on the Bench for 34 years.

Area director for HM Court Service, Cambridgeshire, Pat Lloyd, said: "Twenty years and over is a big commitment to the community and all should be congratulated."

The certificates have been introduced by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice.

Pictured with Hugh Duberly, centre, are, from left, Martin Ballard (appointed 1971), Rosalie Trayner (1985), Margaret Lincoln (1982), Sue Norton (1982), John Hardy (chairman of the Bench - appointed in 1978), and John Green (1981).

INFORMATION: Magistrates need to be aged between 18 and 65 on appointment. HM Court Service welcomes applications from all sectors of the community, especially those currently under-represented in the magistracy - younger people and people from ethnic minority groups. For an application pack, call 0800 003 007.