COMMERCIAL law firm Muckle LLP has donated more than £250,000 to charity during the past five years.

The Newcastle-based firm recently gave £4,000 to the Blue Watch Youth Centre, in Ryhope, Sunderland, to help pay for the conversion of a minibus for youngsters with disabilities.

Tony Semley, of Blue Watch, said: "It has opened up a whole new world for our young people, particularly the special needs group, which can now load their wheelchairs onto the minibus."

Muckle LLP set up its Community Foundation fund five years ago and has donated money to more than 110 local causes, including the RVI Children's Diabetic Fund and the Chopwell Tea Dance.

The firm also gives charities and good causes unpaid legal advice. In the past four years, it has provided more than 75 causes with more than £300,000 worth of unpaid legal advice.

Senior partner Hugh Welch said: "As a firm, we have a long-established commitment to supporting deserving causes.

"It is very much a part of the firm's philosophy to support the community in which we operate.

"We do this through our Community Foundation fund and through actively encouraging our people to involve themselves with community organisations as directors, trustees, members, mentors or volunteers."