THE countryside team at North-East law firm Ward Hadaway has been bolstered by the addition of one of the leading names in the field.

Jonathan Thompson has more than seven years' experience in agricultural law and rural property, and worked at Dickinson Dees' agricultural department in Newcastle and at the Alnwick office of Smithson Clarke.

He joins Ward Hadaway as an assistant solicitor in the multi-disciplinary countryside team with expertise in the rural property sector.

Mr Thompson is also a Troop Leader in the D (Northumberland Hussars) Squadron The Queen's Own Yeomanry, a Territorial Army regiment.

Mr Thompson is the second member to join Ward Hadaway's countryside team in the past nine months.

Christopher Hewitt, head of the countryside team, said: "I feel certain that his knowledge, skills and expertise will prove to be of great benefit to our clients."