JAN WILLOUGHBY has joined Crutes law firm as conveyancing manager.

Ms Willoughby, who has more than 25 years' experience in conveyancing, will lead Crutes' conveyancing team as it expands its operations throughout the UK.

She will develop relationships with financial institutions and estate agents in the region, as well as dealing with clients and customers selling or buying homes.

She joins Crutes from law firm Dickinson Dees, where she was a senior supervisor in the volume business department.

She will liaise with colleagues in Carlisle and Teesside to strengthen conveyancing operations across the company.

She will also work closely with Crutes' probate teams across the region.

Crutes employs 193 staff with 22 partners.