CRUTES Law Firm, based in Newcastle, Teesside and Carlisle, has appointed HELEN AGER as managing partner and DAVID DREWE as chairman.

Ms Ager has been a partner with Crutes since 1997 and leads the dispute resolution department.

Mr Drewe has been a partner with Crutes since 1986. He is an experienced litigator with expertise in professional negligence, stress, bullying and personal injury.