THE Lord Chancellor's Department has approved the appointment of five new Justices of the Peace for the Herefordshire Petty Sessional Area.

They are: Joyce Marian Marston, of Kimbolton; Anne Cynthia Rodger, of Abergavenny; Annette Patricia Rose, of Leominster; Anne Margaret Ruff, of Weobley; Guy Richard Seaman, of Lugwardine.

West Mercia Magistrates' Courts Service is currently seeking applications to be considered in the selection process which will begin in January.

An open evening is being staged tonight, September 27, at the Magistrates' Court, Bath Street, from 5 pm to 7 pm for anyone interested in applying to be a JP. The closing date for applications is October 31.