NORTH-East law firm Watson Burton has appointed DAVID BOWDEN as a property law partner.

Mr Bowden joins from Cobbetts in Leeds, and at Watson Burton, will continue to provide a service for his existing clients including Austin Reed plc, Country Casuals and Yorkgate Homes, from the firm's recently-opened Leeds office.

Watson Burton employs about 320 staff. It posted 29 per cent turnover growth in the last financial year following a 27 per cent rise in 2002/2003.