Two women have gained experience of running Sutton Magistrates' Court under a shadowing scheme to attract more ethnic minorities to the justice system.

Iwa Chan and Sandra Pilgrim may now apply to be magistrates after sitting as observers for six months and watching cases being prepared in court offices.

They will also be expected to recruit more black and Asian people to the bench after taking part in the unique scheme run by Operation Black Vote (OBV).

The campaign was launched in 2001 as part of a drive by the Lord Chancellor to rid the magistracy of its white, middle-class image.

Nearly 40 graduates are now helping to make the democratic process more inclusive, and OBV has also succeeded in lowering the average age of appointees from 57 to 35.

Simon Woolley, director of operations at OBV, said: "The judicial landscape is changing to mirror Britain's multi-ethnic society.

"These efforts must continue so that minority communities up and down the country, including in Sutton, have greater confidence in the judicial system at every level.

"The nation's social well-being depends on them having an equitable stake within our decision-making institutions."

Fozia Sadiq JP is a recent graduate who gained first-hand experience on the scheme of how magistrates arrive at sentencing decisions.

He said: "Minority communities are under-represented on the benches, therefore I would encourage others to consider applying, as being a magistrate provides the opportunity to make a significant, positive contribution to society, and is a very rewarding role."

Jack Straw, the UK Justice Minister and Lord Chancellor, hosted the graduation ceremony at Whitehall on Monday afternoon.