KAREN MITCHELL has joined Lambert Smith Hampton, in Newcastle.

Ms Mitchell, who has five years' property experience under her belt, joins the surveyors' professional division to carry out valuation and landlord and tenant-related work for both national and North-East based clients.

She has worked with both Storeys: SSP and Sanderson Wetherall, in Newcastle, also finding time to do a master's degree in real estate management at Northumbria University.

She said: "The timing was perfect for a move to LSH."

Darron Barker, director at LSH's North-East office, said: "Karen is a real asset to the team and knows the area and the professional property field inside out. The professional team is now six-strong and will undoubtedly continue to grow as new work is secured and as a result of a continually expanding North-East and national client base."