CRUTES law firm has appointed GAIL AFFLECK WARD as client services director.

She is one of three recent recruits to join Crutes from Dickinson Dees, in Newcastle, where she was marketing manager for ten years.

She said: "I am looking forward to working with the team at Crutes and having a role in expanding the business further."

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