A SOLICITOR has been appointed an Honorary Consul for Finland in the region.

Geoffrey Berriman will represent the interests of the estimated 50 to 60 Finns living in County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, as Honorary Consul for Finland in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Mr Berriman, of Witton Gilbert, near Durham, will be expected to assist Finnish citizens, maintain links with the Finnish community and take an interest in Finnish commerce and culture.

He succeeds John Walton, of Whittonstall, near Consett, who had held the post for several years.

Mr Berriman said: "I’m very proud to be appointed and also proud to succeed John Walton, whom I think was a very hard-working, dedicated consul."

Mr Berriman founded the British-Nordic Lawyers’ Association in 1991, serving as honorary secretary for 15 years, and has also helped organise two Nordic festivals in the region.

He was nominated by Mr Walton, before sitting an interview with the Finnish ambassador, having his appointment confirmed by the Finnish foreign affairs department and taking up the post on Friday, January 1.

The 60-year-old is president of the County Durham and Teesside branch of the British Red Cross and has written several books on local and military history.