A WAITING room for child witnesses has opened at Bromley Magistrates' Court.

The room includes a digital television, a games console, toys, books and games, to make waiting around at court as easy for children as possible.

It has been funded by HM Court Service with money for the equipment coming from the Witness Service fundraising efforts which included a sponsored 10km run and a quiz night.

Chairman of the bench Dr Roger May said: "The room represents how far we have come in recognising the need to encourage and support witnesses, and especially vulnerable witnesses, to come to court to give evidence.

"This facility is designed to provide a safe and comfortable room to wait until it is time to give evidence."

Bromley Magistrates' Court and Bromley Victim Support have run the Witness Service at the court since 2002 and supported more than 1,600 witnesses and their families.