THE new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster made his first official visit to the city on Monday.

Dr David Clark, who took office in May with the election of the Labour Government, visited Lancaster Castle Prison, the Shire Hall and the Magistrates Court.

Dr Clark, 57, who has been MP for South Shields in the North East since 1979, said: "I am responsible to the Sovereign for the administration of the Duchy and I have been most impressed at the way the estate is run by Duchy staff. He is also responsible for appointing magistrates across Lancashire. "I am particularly keen to encourage more people to become magistrates and suggest that anyone interested should contact the Magistrates Court in their area, " he added.

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