A STRONG legal tradition has survived for 100 years in a solicitors' practice that has served generations of South Durham families.

Marquis Hewitts celebrated its centenary soon after moving into smart new offices in Bishop Auckland.

Mergers and acquisitions have created a flourishing practice with 15 partners working from six offices.

But it has kept its base in Crook, the town where Robert Marquis founded his one-man firm in 1904.

The modern day Marquis Hewitts would be unrecognisable to its founder, who employed only men.

Managing partner and coroner for Durham and Darlington, Andrew Tweddle, who has been with the firm since 1979, maintains his predecessor would have approved of the present operation.

Mr Tweddle still uses Mr Marquis' copy of the New Testament when documents are required to be sworn on oath.

He said: "He would have been dead chuffed to see us today. Although the firm has grown in size we have kept the traditional values.

"Because we have generations of families coming back to us we have a wealth of knowledge. The fact that we have a loyal staff speaks well of our ethos.

"I consider myself very fortunate that there has been such a degree of continuity. We are very much a team."

Elsie Jackson, only the second female to be employed by the practice back in 1943, has, with former managing clerk John Ramsden helped retired partner Colin Penna - former South Durham and Darlington coroner - compile a history of the firm for its centenary celebrations.

Mr Penna said: "I am proud to have been associated with the firm for almost half of its long life.

"I feel assured that Robert Marquis would be delighted the firm he founded 100 years ago continues to flourish and serve the community."