THE Blackburn office of law firm Napthens has established a dedicated litigation service for East Lancashire, with the appointment of Stephen Crossley.

Stephen, of Blackburn, also holds the role of registrar of the Church of England’s Diocese of Blackburn, the solicitor appointed to advise and act for the diocese and its bishop. He is also a member of the Ecclesiastical Law Association.

He joins Napthens as a solicitor from Roebuck’s Solicitors in Blackburn, and is a graduate of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in the town. He said: “East Lancashire has a highly active business community and I am looking forward to this new challenge.”