A new man has taken charge at one of the Lake District's biggest law firms.

Gavin Wright is the new chief executive of Harrison Drury. He is a former senior director at Deloitte and BDO, joins the firm after holding a similar role at Forbes Solicitors.

John Chesworth, who took over as managing partner at Harrison Drury in 2007, has become executive chairman of the business and will continue to lead the board of directors.

Mr Chesworth said: “This appointment is about leading Harrison Drury into the future and putting in place a management structure to enable growth. Gavin’s record in the professional services arena speaks for itself. He has extensive experience of law firm management and developing growing businesses.”

The firm has more than 90 staff across Cumbria and Lancashire - with offices in Kendal, Lancaster, Garstang, Litheroe and Preston - and has plans to recruit between 40 to 60 new people over the next five years.

John Chesworth added: “Our vision is to make it possible for businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria to receive the best commercial legal services without sending the work out of the region and to provide an equivalent private client service to high-net-worth individuals. I firmly believe the new management structure we have put in place will enable us to do this.”

Mr Wright said: “Harrison Drury has grown through having a strong and clear vision and a culture to match. I’m looking forward to helping the firm enjoy continued success."