A KARATE instructor will be joining Redbridge magistrates for the next four-year term of office working for the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

Aneeta Prem, of Barkingside, who divides her time between running the Ishinryu Karate School and working as a life coach, will be one of the youngest magistrates specialising in adult and family law.

She has already sat on the bench at Redbridge Magistrates' Court for the past two years but beat off tough competition to be the only new recruit picked by the MPA to be a "critical friend".

Miss Prem said: "I really want to make a difference. I plan to hold surgeries in the future to allow people to come to me with any problems and raise concerns about policing and crime."

The magistrate said she was interested in tackling domestic violence and anti-social behaviour.

She added: "I hope to listen to and represent the views of the community. Locally, I am aware that anti-social behaviour has been very problematic.

"If people are too afraid to report youths causing real problems then this is something we need to address. People need to know this kind of behaviour is unacceptable.

"When I know which areas I will be a link member for I will organise regular meetings with the police and the community leaders."

The first Asian karate instructor in the UK, Miss Prem has built up strong links within her community.

She said: "Because I was able to achieve that I have made TV appearances and got to know more people."

Miss Prem is also a member of the Essex Probation Service Management Board, deciding policies, and a governor at Fullwell Primary School, Burford Close, Barkingside.

Miss Prem is also studying for her masters in urban regeneration, which she hopes to finish later this year.

Catherine Crawford, clerk to the MPA, said: "I know that our new members are equally dedicated to the task of ensuring a fair and effective police service for all London's communities and look forward to commencing their duties."