MYTHS surrounding wills and inheritance were explained to the older generation in a free service from a North-East law firm.

Lawyers from Blackett Hart and Pratt (BHP) linked up with Age Concern to offer clients the chance to find out more about ensuring their assets reach the right people and to provide wills where needed.

Alan Oliver, probate executive with BHP in Durham, spent a day advising older people at Age Concern Newcastle's head office, where nine couples and individuals asked for wills to be drawn up.

David Shipley, wills advice officer with Age Concern Newcastle, said the free advice and cheaper wills that clients could access through BHP and other law firms the charity worked with were very useful.

He said: "Many older people feel they are not wealthy enough to bother having a will.

"For those with only modest assets, getting a will is sometimes seen as an unnecessary expense. However, we advise them that it is worth it for the peace of mind and the fact that a will makes it a lot easier for executors and family members later on."