Lawyers who represent the victims of mass murderer Harold Shipman have confirmed that they are to act for campaigners fighting for a public inquiry into Richard Neale.

Ann Alexander, a partner in the Manchester-based legal firm of Alexander Harris, said she believed the Neale scandal involved issues of national importance.

The Neale group had "a very strong case" for a public inquiry, she added. The decision means leading barrister Richard Lissack QC, who is currently representing victims in the Shipman inquiry, will argue the case for a public inquiry into the Neale affair when an application for a judicial review is heard in the High Court next February.

Mr Lissack also represented the families in the Bristol Royal Infirmary baby scandal.

Graham Maloney, spokesman for the Neale victims group, said: "We are over the moon, it is great news."

Victims of the former Friarage Hospital gynaecologist have rejected the Department of Health's offer of an NHS investigation behind closed doors.

The group, which represents more than 200 women, mostly from North Yorkshire and Cleveland, believe a public inquiry is needed to expose how a bungling surgeon was able to practice for so long, despite warnings from Canada about his ability.

Mr Neale, who worked as a consultant at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton between 1985 and 1995, was struck off the medical register in July 2000 after being found guilty of botching a string of operations.

The Neale group were recently given leave by a High Court judge to seek a judicial review to overturn the Department of Health's proposed investigation. Last night Ms Alexander confirmed that her firm had taken on the case.

She paid tribute to Sheila Wright-Hogeland, from Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, co-founder of the Neale victim support group, for "having the guts" to apply for a High Court hearing without legal representation.

"For Mrs Wright-Hogeland to succeed on her own is a great achievement.

"In my experience it is very unusual indeed. Many lawyers don't even understand the process", she added.

Mr Maloney said he was was "saddened" that the group were having to take the Department of Health to court to force greater openness in the Neale case. He said the group had almost filled a coach with supporters who wanted to attend the hearing.