A NORTH-EAST law firm is taking its business nationwide after seeing rapid growth in accident claims.

Newcastle-based practice Winn Solicitors, which specialises in road traffic accident and personal injury claims, has celebrated the first year in its new premises by increasing staffing and expanding services all over the country.

In just over 12 months the law firm, based in Heaton Road, in Byker, has increased its workforce by more than a third, with 93 employees and eight fulltime solicitors dealing with more than 775 claims a month.

Managing director Jeff Winn said: "Following our initial £3m investment last year, we have seen rapid growth in the company and, with the ever-growing number of accident and personal injury claims that are referred to us from all over the UK, we have increased our flow of work across the whole country.

"The excellent provision that we offer in the North-East has been extended into a national service and our client base continues to grow month on month."

Winn's team assesses fault, organises repairs and car hire, ensures that guaranteed manufacturers' parts are used and that repairs are carried out where the client chooses.

The company has also extended its post-accident physiotherapy treatment, contracting to therapists across the country and covering 80 per cent of the population.

Further sections deal with public brokers and company car claims and a new division for taxicab claims has seen an increase in turnover, with the addition of 25 new contracts, including a large London-based taxi firm.

Mr Winn said: "We have had a terrific first year and are now not only regarded as the number one road traffic accident claim solicitor in the North- East, but also as a force to be reckoned with nationally."