A LAW firm is hoping its links with new EU member Poland will provide a boost for the region's economy.

A team from Jacksons Commercial and Private Law, in Stockton, Teesside, has returned from a trip to a conference and exhibition organised by the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce in Poland, which joined the European Union on May 1.

Jacksons employs Polish-speaking solicitor Marta Studholme, who joined the firm in 1997 as a student.

She is originally from Poland and has a knowledge of both legal systems and cultures.

Managing partner Nigel Kidwell was a guest speaker at the conference and has been invited back at the end of the month to give another speech. The firm also had a stand at the exhibition offering information in English and Polish.

Links were forged with two Polish firms and talks are continuing with several potential clients.

"We are delighted with the success of the trip and hope that our links with Poland will lead to Jacksons gaining around ten new clients this year," said Mr Kidwell.

"Poland has a strong manufacturing base and it may well be that our links will help to bring firms who wish to set up business in the UK to the Tees Valley - creating inward investment and jobs."

Mrs Studholme completed a law degree and a masters degree in European and International law at Durham University while working part-time at Jacksons.

She was then recruited by Cambridge University to lecture in law at Warsaw University, rejoining Jacksons last year. She is married fellow Jacksons lawyer Kevin Studholme.