A SOLICITOR in Accrington has joined a elite band of inheritance lawyers after securing a new qualification.

Patrick Swanney, who works for Cannon Street’s WHN Solicitors, is now a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

He completed a diploma for STEP through a taxing 18-month assessment process, which includes several assigments and distance learning modules.

Stephen Parr, a WHN director, said: “Patrick’s achievement is a significant boost for the services we offer.”

Mr Swanney is a member of the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Burnley Dementia Action Alliance and an Alzheimer’s Sociuety volunteer.

He joins Mr Parr and colleague Helen Law as accredited STEP members.