LAW firm Blackett Hart and Pratt (BHP) has made two appointments in its commercial and agricultural property team.

Solicitors PAUL HUTTON and MARC TURNER will be joining the firm's Newcastle and Durham offices.

Mr Hutton's experience includes similar positions with Mincoffs and Eversheds.

He trained as a quantity surveyor before becoming a solicitor and has a particular interest in development.

Mr Turner brings with him experience of high-profile, high-value acquisitions and developments, including a £10m property investment deal carried out on behalf of law firms in Leeds and London. He will be based at BHP's Durham office, while Mr Hutton will work from the Newcastle office.

BHP employs 145 staff at its offices in Newcastle, Durham, Darlington and Newton Aycliffe, in County Durham, and recently posted record year-end results, including a 27 per cent rise in turnover.