Magistrates are an essential part of the judicial system, dealing with majority of offences that come before the courts - yet they are all volunteers.

One such is Kim Silver from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, who has served for 24 years and is urging others to join the system.

Ms Silver, who is visually impaired, became a volunteer after her friend suggest joining a pilot scheme for visually impaired magistrates as she’d always been interested in the justice system and law.

Initially, she was a magistrate in Stratford in London, but since moving to the Island to live with her brother and sister-in-law three years ago, she has been sitting at Medway Magistrates' Court in Chatham.

She said: "I was living and working in East London at the time - this was 1999 - when the Ministry of Justice decided it needed to widen the diversity of those sitting on the magistrates benches.

"A friend thought I would be ideal - I was interested in the law - and put my name forward.

"The call came out of the blue, but I instantly realised it was something I would like to do."

The 65-year-old, who worked as a social services calls handler for a local council, had to go through an interview process to make sure she was suited.

"It was a bit like going for a job interview, except you didn't need to know anything about the law because there are professionals in court to advise you on that," she explained.

"You needed to show you were a good listener, were fair and could work as part of a team."

Ms Silver, who has been blind since birth, did not think her impairment had given her any difficulties.

She added: "Seeing people sometimes asses whether people are telling the truth by their appearance, but blind people often have a heightened sense of hearing and you can tell a lot from people's demeanour."

The Minster woman described her role as "highly satisfying" and has enjoyed helping others and meeting a range of different people.

She said: "It is rewarding. You are helping the community. Of course there are some days that are frustrating, when nothing seems to get done, and others when you feel you have made a huge difference.

"One thing is that it is never boring because no two days are the same.

You get to meet people from all different walks of life, not you just your fellow magistrates but also the court staff. It's really interesting."

Ms Silver sits in both criminal and youth courts and sometimes chairs the panel.

'You need to be a good listener and work well within a team...'

She said: "You are supposed to sit two or three times a month, but I often sit more, perhaps once a week.

"I enjoy it and I would recommend anyone to consider taking up the role.

"You need to be a good listener and work well within a team to make decisions.

"The skills you then develop are useful in all aspects of your life – both personal and professional.”

Currently, the Ministry of Justice is seeking to recruit more magistrates in the South East.

People from all walks of life are being urged to consider putting themselves forward for this vital role.

Anyone aged between 18 and 70 who can commit to at least 13 days a year for at least five years is encouraged to come forward.

No legal qualifications or experience is required to be a magistrate, but volunteers will work closely with two other magistrates and a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.

Anyone looking to volunteer should visit here for more information and apply before applications close on Friday, March 31.

At the last count, 59% of magistrates were women, but only 20% were aged under 50.

Magistrates are given robust training and an experienced mentor in their first year to develop their skills and legal knowledge.

Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “Magistrates have a vital role to play in our justice system and we want to see every part of society represented on their benches.

"By volunteering their time and experience from other walks of life, they play a hugely important part in transforming lives and delivering justice for victims."