A trainee solicitor will be putting his environmental expertise into practice after being appointed by North-East law firm Blackett Hart and Pratt.

ADAM WOOD has a degree in marine biology and a masters in clean technology from Newcastle University.

Most recently he completed a law conversion course at Northumbria University and has now embarked on a further two years in practice training at BHP's Newcastle office.

Mr Wood, 26, who comes from Sunderland, said: "I am passionate about the environment and industry using clean technologies and hope to combine it with my chosen career in law.

"Environmental law goes hand-in-hand with planning, an area in which BHP is very strong and has an excellent reputation. In the future, I would like to use my academic training to specialise in environmental and planning law."

Mr Wood, who is a black belt in karate, will gain experience in various departments at BHP's Tyneside office, including personal injury, business and employment disputes, planning and commercial property.