Leading South West law firm, Battens Solicitors is celebrating after opening a new office in Bridport, as part of its regional strategic plan for growth.

The new premises, which has opened in West Street, will place Battens at the heart of Bridport's thriving business community, offering clients a convenient high street location to see a solicitor on a face- to- face basis.

A team of six staff will be based at the new office, including specialists in personal injury law, private client and residential property law but the office will also act as a hub where clients can access a suite of outstanding legal services.

This latest branch takes Batten's network of offices to seven, and its fourth premises in Dorset. The firm employs 155 staff at offices in Somerset and Dorset.

The managing director of Battens Solicitors, Ceri Stephens, commented: "The opening of the Bridport office is a significant development for the firm which forms part of our strategic plan for growth, and which gives us the opportunity to expand our footprint further into Dorset as we already have three offices at Sherborne, Dorchester and Wareham.

"This latest move means we can build on existing links with other businesses as well as forging new relationships with commercial contacts and clients at a location which is convenient for everyone."

Senior associate private client solicitor Adam Hillier will lead new office in Bridport.

He said: "The new team based at the Bridport office know the area very well. Most of the staff have either lived or worked in the area and we are very familiar with the town and the local community.

"Our recent free legal clinics which we held in Bridport demonstrated that there is a clear demand for our services, and we look forward to welcoming our new clients when we open our doors in April.

"We are very excited to be building on the ongoing success of Battens as well as becoming part of the vibrant business community of Bridport."