A LAW firm has continued its expansion after buying a practice.

Coles Solicitors has expanded its presence in Ripon, North Yorkshire, after acquiring Tunnard & Co.

The move means Coles now has offices in York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Yarm, Guisborough and Settle, North Yorkshire.

Tunnard & Co, which was founded in 1986, has two offices in Ripon employing six people.

Bosses say the deal will see all workers join Coles, with several existing Coles staff moving to Ripon to bolster its range of services.

Peter Gibson, Coles' managing director, said: “Ripon is a key location for us in terms of bridging the distance between our offices in the east of North Yorkshire with Settle in the west of the county.

“Coles in Ripon will bring a wider range of services to people in the city and beyond and secure jobs for Tunnard staff.”

Chris Tunnard, who originally worked at the Ripon branch of Harrogate-based Kirby’s Solicitors before taking it over to create Tunnard & Co in 1986, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to join Coles.

“I'm confident our existing customers will be well served by the existing and new staff.”

Coles’ range of services includes conveyancing, wills and probate, accident claims and family work.