EMMERSONS Solicitors is marking its 12th year by offering free legal services to 12 North-East firms that are less than two years old.

Emmersons opened its Sunderland branch in 1998 and opened a branch in Gosforth last year.

It is planning to use its 12th year to expand its private client services as well as the amount of commercial litigation work it takes on, employing more people as a result.

Jacqueline Emmerson said: “The legal advice we can offer them can be anything from business disputes to giving conveyancing advice on a new office property.”

Any small business less than two years old that would like to receive free advice can contact emmersonssolicitors.co.uk

The first 12 to respond will be successful.