SOLICITOR and tax advisor SIMON BRITON has returned to the North-East from London to take up a post with law firm Ward Hadaway.

Former Durham University student Mr Briton, 28, who specialises in tax, will join Ward Hadaway's corporate finance team.

He developed his tax expertise at firms that include Grant Thornton, KPMG and City-based lawyers Bird and Bird.

Born in Washington, Wearside, Mr Briton said: "When the opportunity arose to return to the North-East to work for Ward Hadaway, I seized it with both hands.

"As well as being a fantastic career move, returning to the North-East has been very good for me personally.

"My passion for good restaurants, the arts and cycling, make the North-East the best place for me to be."