IT WAS access all areas for the public as Basingstoke's magistrates court held its very first open day.

Members of the public were invited to go along to the court in New Road last Saturday, to learn first-hand about how the legal system works.

Those curious about what it might be like to be held in the cells were allowed to walk around where the defendants are kept as they wait for their case to be heard in the court.

Visitors were also able to look inside a prisoner escort van, and get fingerprinted and breathalysed.

There was also a question and answer session with a local magistrate.

Mock trials were held throughout the day using real magistrates, legal advisors as defence solicitors and court staff acting out the role of the defendant.

The pretend court cases included a female charged with driving while disqualified and a 16-year-old who admitted stealing a bike.

Pleased with the amount of people who came to the open day, court manager Anthea del Mar said: "The Lord Chancellor said he felt all the country's courts should open on a regular basis so the people we serve understand what it's all about.

"We're also hoping it will encourage people with an interest in working in the courts or becoming a magistrate to come forward."

Among the visitors to the open day were north west Hampshire MP Sir George Young, Basingstoke mayor Rita Burgess and Hampshire's Lord Lieutenant Mary Fagan.