ONE of the region's largest health trusts has chosen Ward Hadaway to provide its legal services.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has signed a three-year contract with the Newcastle law firm, which now acts for more acute hospital trusts in the North than any of its competitors.

Under the deal, Ward Hadaway will advise the trust on areas including employment, contracting, PFI projects, property, construction, litigation and commercial assistance.

The firm now has more than 70 NHS clients from the North-East to the East Midlands.

Jeffrey Keeble, head of healthcare at Ward Hadaway, said: "We have a team able to provide dedicated support for all of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust's needs on a pro-active and cost-effective basis.

"We are pleased that this has been recognised by this appointment."

The trust operates three general hospitals - Bishop Auckland Hospital, Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham - as well as a number of community hospitals and other facilities.

It serves a population of more than 550,000 people and became a Foundation Trust in Feb- ruary.

John Saxby, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is an important appointment for us. We look forward to working with the Ward Hadaway team over the next three years."