A RARE glimpse into the world of criminal justice is being offered in Winchester next weekend as the city's Crown Court opens its doors to the public.

The idea behind the open day is to give people an insight into the work that goes on in one of the country's top courts, and is part of a continuing effort by British legal bosses to make the criminal justice system more open.

It is also hoped throwing open the doors will help instil more confidence in people by showing them how the courts work.

Visitors will get the chance to talk to staff from a wide variety of the professions involved in running the courts, from the people who arrest, charge, prosecute and sentence defendants, to those who look after the victims and witnesses of crime.

The courts will also be staging mock trials to show people how the process works and how sentences are handed out.

Trials will also be taking place in several different types of court, such as Magistrates and Crown Court, so those watching can see the difference between them.

Perhaps the most unusual of the attractions will be the chance to see the court's prisoner holding cells, as well as the vehicles that bring defendants to the building.

Sniffer dogs will also be in action as will fingerprint specialists, while Crown Prosecution Service lawyers will be demonstrating in a typical charging room how defendants are formally charged with crimes.

Copies of famous wills including John Lennon, Diana Princess of Wales and Charles Dickens will also be on display along with examples of judicial robes and dress.

There will also be the opportunity to exam some of the evidence given in famous trials such as that of Rosemary West.

A spokeswoman for the courts said: "The open day forms part of ongoing work by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight's Local Criminal Justice Board to give the communities they serve a greater confidence in the Criminal Justice System by increasing public understanding of the way the system works."

The open day takes place next Saturday September 11 between 10am and 4pm at the Law Courts in Winchester. Entry is free and there will also be a raffle in aid of the Naomi House Children's Hospital in Sutton Scotney.

For a rare glimpse into the world of criminal justice see today's Daily Echo which has an exclusive interview with Senior Circuit Judge His Honour Judge Michael Brodrick who talks about the work of the courts.