THOSE who have ever been summoned to court as a witness will know what a nerve-racking experience it can be.

To help these people, North Hampshire Magistrates Court, which covers Basingstoke, set up its Witness Service last November.

Volunteers from the service help witnesses by showing them the courtroom beforehand and explaining the procedures. They also stay with them while waiting to give evidence, liaise with a variety of court staff and, if requested, accompany witnesses into court.

Roland Weisz, a retired book editor from Basingstoke, is a witness volunteer.

He said: "There's not enough done for the witnesses or the victims. They're often alarmed to be there and so we are just there to help them through their unease - to show them around and sit with them while they wait.

"I only spend about one day a week there, but there's lots of opportunity for more."

The service is always on the look-out for more helpers.

Volunteers need to be perceptive, discreet and responsible. They must also be willing to learn, as full training is given over a three-month period.

"If anyone is interested in becoming a witness volunteer, please call for an informal talk to go over the basic idea of how it works," said John Dorsett, the co-ordinator of the Witness Service. "From there we can decide together whether you will be suitable as a witness volunteer."

After application forms and references are filled out, training begins. This consists of a six-day course, held over a number of weeks, where prospective volunteers learn about the court system and are taught communication skills. New volunteers then shadow an experienced volunteer for about two months, before starting on their own.

For more information, call John Dorsett on 01624 337054.