A LAW firm has made a number of appointments it says will strengthen services.

Newtons Solicitors has welcomed Dorothy Price and Jack Stainthorpe to its residential conveyancing team.

Katie Ward and Elizabeth Whitaker have also joined the business’ wills, trusts and probate department.

Bosses say their new recruits will work across the firm’s offices in Thirsk, Richmond and Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and help fill a void left by the closure of a base in Leyburn.

Chris Newton, managing director, said: “We were sorry to see the closure of our office in Leyburn.

“However, it just wasn't commercially viable following the closure of the Skipton Building Society agency at our office.

“We continue to support Leyburn from offices in Northallerton and Richmond, which offer a full legal service from larger teams.”

Mr Newton added the business’ recruitment drive has been matched by two internal moves.

Senior private client solicitor Fran Maxwell has moved from Leyburn to manage the Northallerton team, with Estella Pengilley, a senior solicitor and expert in dispute resolution, now based in Northallerton to work with the litigation team.

David Birks, director, said: “We've had some great lawyers join our team recently with more due to arrive. “Our Northallerton office seemed huge when we first moved into it, so we're obviously delighted at how it is filling up.”