Volunteers are needed to hear appeals against school admissions decisions.

Every year a number of pupils fail to get a place at the school of their choice because the setting is oversubscribed.

The parents of these pupils can challenge the decision and these appeals are heard by independent panels, an important process which is required by law.

Cambridgeshire County Council is looking for people to sit on these panels, which are independent of the County Council and the school governing bodies. Volunteers must be able to listen to two sides of a case and weigh up evidence objectively and impartially.

The work is voluntary but travelling expenses will be paid and training will be provided.

The time commitment is a minimum of five working days each year.

To ensure impartiality panel members must not be elected members or employees of Cambridgeshire County Council or the school in question.

Also they cannot have, or have had, any connections which could raise doubts about their impartiality.

They can be a governor or a teacher at an unconnected school.

Anyone interested in learning more or applying should contact Senior Democratic Services Officer Rob Sanderson on 01223 699181, email rob.sanderson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or write to Rob Sanderson, RES 1102, Shire Hall, Cambridge CB3 0AP.

The closing date for applications is December 31.

Successful applicants will be notified by February 2015 and be asked to attend training the following month.