A FIRM of solicitors is celebrating the success of its leading property lawyer in gaining a masters degree.

Joanne Oldfield has been residential conveyancing solicitor with Coles Solicitors, based in Northallerton, for the past four years, serving clients across North Yorkshire, Teesside and South Durham.

In recent times, she has handled an increasing amount of commercial work for the growing firm, and has now completed her masters in advanced commercial property for which she achieved a commendation.

Miss Oldfield, 32, originally from Whitley Bay but now living in Yarm, near Stockton, has spent the past 18 months studying for the higher degree through Northumbria University.

She said: “I am pleased to have completed my studies in this discipline and my hard work has now paid off.”

Peter Gibson, Coles managing director and principal solicitor, said: “Joanne is a dedicated, hardworking professional who is a real asset to the team here in Northallerton.

“I am delighted with her progress and this additional qualification is justly deserved.

I look forward to extending our range of services into more commercial areas of work, and bringing that bit of Coles magic that our existing clients have come to expect, to a fresh range of clients.

Joanne is key to that expansion.”