ONE of County Durham's best known law firms has branched out into new premises.

Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors, which is the county's largest law firm, has moved the business from two of its three Durham city centre offices to a purpose-built 5,000sq ft two-storey building on Durham's newest business park, adjacent to the Belmont Industrial Estate.

The new premises were opened yesterday by the Mayor of Durham, Councillor John Cowper.

The firm, which also has offices in Darlington, Newton Aycliffe and Newcastle, is the third to move into Belmont Business Park.

Managing partner in the business, John Pratt, said: "The move represents a major change for the practice, as we have been located in the heart of Durham for over 50 years.

"Providing improved access and free parking, we are sure that our new location will benefit all our clients."

One of the firm's premises, a property sales office, will continue to operate in the centre of Durham.