NORTH-East law firm Dickinson Dees has won a contract to provide legal advice to the second largest city council in the UK.

Birmingham City Council has appointed Dickinson Dees to handle the council's litigation work.

It is the fourth local government appointment the firm has secured in as many months.

The Dickinson Dees team working with Birmingham City Council will be headed up by partner Jen Smurthwaite.

She said: "We are delighted to be one of only two firms appointed to Birmingham's litigation panel.

"This is a very exciting appointment for everyone at Dickinson Dees - we are working with the country's second largest municipal council and this business-win reinforces Dickinson Dees' reputation in this area of work."