THE region's largest law firm is planning to expand, creating 30 jobs over the next two months in its residential property division.

Dickinson Dees said the department had grown from six staff in 2000 to 180, handling more than 5,000 property transactions at any one time.

It hopes to take on another 30 recruits from the region.

The property team works alongside lenders, builders, estate agents and financial advisors from its Newcastle and Teesside offices.

It works on loss recovery, remortgaging and conveyancing - the biggest growth driver.

Nigel Emmerson, partner in the residential property department, said: "The successful expansion of the team over the past six years has been extremely positive for us and has allowed us to develop new facilities that are increasingly sought after by our clients.

"The continued growth that is forecast creates a need to recruit additional staff from within the North- East and, if necessary, farther afield."