A FAST-GROWING law firm has expanded its family team.

Newtons Solicitors has welcomed Kirsty Nelson, who specialises in divorce and childcare issues.

She joins the practice from Hewitts Solicitors and will work out of Newtons’ offices in Darlington and Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Ms Nelson becomes the company’s fifth family law specialist, and replaces Barry Patterson, who retired after 40 years.

Chris Newton, managing director, founded the practice with wife, Sarah, in 2009.

He said: “I’m delighted to have such a pro-active and impressive solicitor joining our team.

“Kirsty has a great local reputation and is already proving very popular with clients through her robust approach to resolving issues.”

Ms Nelson added: “There is a real buzz about working here and an exciting outlook as we grow our business, especially the family law team.”

Newtons also has offices in York, Ripon, Knaresborough, Harrogate and Leyburn, North Yorkshire, and provides commercial and private client legal services.