COLES Solicitors, which has its headquarters in Northallerton and offices in York and Thirsk, has expanded west into the Pennines after buying a practice in Settle.

Coles managing director and principal solicitor Peter Gibson has acquired the business of Derek M Jordan, ahead of his retirement.

The latter will remain with Coles as a consultant during the transition.

Mr Gibson, said: “We’re delighted with this expansion.

“It’s at the opposite end of the Yorkshire Dales to our existing offices, so we can now cover the east and west of the patch.

“We’ll be retaining the service of the practice’s lawyers and support staff, and augmenting the expertise of the whole group, particularly in the area of agricultural conveyancing and probate.

“Derek Jordan has faithfully served the people of Settle for more than 40 years, just as his father did before him.”

Agricultural property expert Simon Best joins the Settle team as part of the deal.

Mr Jordan said: “It has been a privilege to work in such a beautiful area all my life, and I am honoured to have acted for so many people throughout that time.

“I am delighted that Coles have acquired my practice as I know it will offer an exceptional service to the people of north Craven. I wish them every success with their new venture.”