INTERNATIONAL law firm Eversheds has continued its expansion in the North-East by making four associate promotions at its Newcastle office.

Sarah Crone and Saji Bratch have risen up the career ladder - they work in the real estate practice, an area of the business in Newcastle that had a 20 per cent increase in its income last year.

Both will be responsible for keeping that growth and building on the success.

Recent work for the division includes the £200m Middlehaven development, in Middlesbrough, where Eversheds acted for English Partnerships and Tees Valley Regeneration in a development agreement.

Mark Lisgo, who works in the corporate team, and Richard Flynn, a specialist in property litigation, were also promoted.

Adrian Stanley, senior office partner for the Newcastle office, said: "These latest promotions clearly demonstrate how we take people's careers very seriously and provide further evidence of the structured progression process we put in place.

"These promotions are testament to the knowledge, skill and excellent client service that has been delivered by our new associates."