The government is to launch a nationwide campaign to create more magistrates – and hopes to recruit an extra 1,000 a year within three years.

Working with 90 local Magistrates Advisory Committees in England and Wales, the government is to launch a £4 million three-year co-ordinated regional recruitment campaign.

The government said that the measure was a "vital element" of the commitment to "narrowing the justice gap" of bringing 1.2 million offences to justice by 2005/06. Currently, around 1,500 new magistrates are appointed each year.

The department of constitutional affairs said that it wants to encourage younger people to become magistrates - less than 4% are under 40. About 80% of magistrates are over 50.

There will be a stress on the recruitment of ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. The number of the minimum number of sitting days is to be reduced to the equivalent of one a month, under the proposals.

Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, said: "Magistrates are the cornerstone of our justice system. The overwhelming majority of cases begin and end in the magistrates' courts. They will play a major part in meeting the government's commitment to narrowing the justice gap.

"That is why we need to re-double our efforts and recruit more magistrates, recruit younger magistrates, and increase the number of Black and Asian justices, particularly in those cities and towns where they are under-represented."

To become a magistrate applicants need to demonstrate to recruitment panels the following qualities: social awareness, integrity, listening and communication skills, the ability to relate to others, sound judgement and commitment. No legal or professional qualifications are required.

There are about 32,000 lay magistrates in England and Wales.

(gmcg)