AN expanding firm of Bishop Auckland solicitors is starting the New Year in new offices.

After rapid growth over the past year, partners at Hewitts' listed Georgian head office in the Market Place were forced to move into the attic.

Two mergers, with Wager Turner and Cohens, plus natural expansion, has doubled the size of Hewitts' staff.

The firm is reopening after its Christmas break in new headquarters on the site of the Wear Valley Hotel, in Newgate Street.

Several companies have expressed interest in the old premises, which will be sold.

Hewitts' managing partner, Andrew Tweddle, said: "Our investment will serve to improve links between our offices in Darlington, Stockton, Newton Aycliffe, Crook, Shildon and Durham.

"We are sad to leave this building behind, which has served us well for over 30 years, but the time is right for us to leave. We couldn't carry on having partners in unsuitable working conditions like the attic - it doesn't suit a modern-day law firm.

"It's not our intention to leave 5 Market Place as an empty building. Commercially it makes sense for us to sell it and we are using commercial agents to actively market the building to those who may be interested.

"We have had interest in the building and we are exploring certain options at the moment."