A LEGAL firm in East Lancashire has won a four-year contract to advise a raft of north-east authorities.

Blackburn-based Forbes Solicitors will assist the North East Procurement Organisation with a regional legal services framework.

This would apply to authorities covering the likes of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Durham, Darlington and Cleveland.

Their remit would cover areas such as conveyancing, housing, education, litigation, debt recovery, highways and employment.

Chris Booth, a Forbes partner, said: "Winning this contract is a testament to the experience and expertise in our teams."