Worcester Mayor Gareth Jones was sent to the cells of Worcester Magistrates Court at the weekend after being found "guilty" in the dock.

He even had his fingerprints taken, but thankfully for him, he didn't hear the heavy slam of the door behind him and begin serving at her Majesty's pleasure.

Instead, he and many ordinary members of the public were enjoying a behind-the-scenes look around the court as it threw open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday.

The court, in Castle Street, was opened in February 2002 as part of a £25m private finance initiative which also saw new courts in Hereford and Kidderminster.

"The day is about opening the doors to the court because, thankfully, the vast majority of the population do not have to cross that threshold," said court clerk John Stephenson.

Tours of the building took in its video link room, which allows vulnerable witnesses the chance to give evidence without feeling intimidated by appearing in court.

The link is characteristic of the state-of-the-art building, which also has an electronic security pass system and separate areas for defendants and witnesses.

Visitors also saw cells and prison vans before taking part in mock court trials.

Local solicitors argued cases while members of the public had a chance to ask questions about the judicial system and compare their verdicts with that of magistrates.

"While very few cross the court threshold as defendants, quite a few come as witnesses and you do have to demystify it for them," said Dr John Moore, chairman of the bench in South Worcestershire.

"The cells have a remarkable impact on youngsters," he said.

"Someone down there said it was bleak and they are extremely basic - I can't imagine it's any fun whatsoever."

Meanwhile, representatives from services whose work is linked to the court, such as the Camera Speed Partnership, the Domestic Violence Forum and the Adoption Services, were on hand to talk about what they do.

More than 30 magistrates were also available to talk about their work in an attempt to recruit 10 more.

"We hope some people will realise it's an interesting thing to do and apply," said Dr Moore.