BURY'S bench is getting stronger: the magistrates court has just sworn in 13 new Justices of the Peace.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday before Judge Knopf. The new magistrates come from a variety of backgrounds and represent all parts of the borough.

Also attending the swearing-in were David Hudson, chairman of the bench, and Dorothy Fletcher, deputy chairman.

The 13 new JPs, who are now to begin their training, brings the magistrates strength in Bury to 116. But the court wants to increase this figure to 130.

The Bury Advisory Committee is about to commence its next round of interviews for more magistrates. If anyone is interested in becoming a JP, call 447 8604.

The new magistrates are: Ms Julie Bancroft of Holcombe Brook; Mrs Jayne Bridge of Radcliffe; Mr David Burton of Holcombe; Mr Frederick Gilmore and Mrs Pauline Roberts, both of Whitefield; Mr Rodney Peters, Mr Khalid Hussain, Mr Gary Kirkley, Mr Thomas Buggie and Mrs Eileen Qureshi, all from Bury; Mrs Mary Price of Tottington; Mrs Margaret Scott of Ramsbottom and Captain Ibrar Ul-Haq of Swinton.