PAUL EARNSHAW has been appointed as a partner at Crutes law firm in Newcastle.

His new position will be partner in the business services department, where he will have particular emphasis on property matters.

Mr Earnshaw, who lives in West Monkseaton in Tyne and Wear, joins from Dickinson Dees. He has 13 years' experience as a lawyer and specialises in property investment and landlord and tenant matters.

Crutes has offices in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Carlisle. It employs 193 staff with 24 Partners.