A LAWYER has risen from trainee to director in just seven years at a Blackburn practice.

Commercial property solicitor Oliver Bagnall, 33, began his WHN Solicitors career in 2012.

Qualifying in 2014, he became an associate last year before his latest elevation.

Oliver, who lives in Ramsbottom, said: "It’s been richly rewarding to play a part in doubling the commercial property department’s size since I joined, with significant growth and year-on-year expansion."

Michael Shroot, head of WHN's commercial team, added: "Internal promotion is a great way of addressing succession issues, because the next generation of leaders are already in senior roles."