A legal firm chief has spoken of her immense pride after seeing her team shortlisted for a top honour at an awards ceremony.

The private client department at Cartmell Shepherd were shortlisted at the Northern Law Awards, and was named as a finalist for the team's work with clients which goes above and beyond the day-to-day.

Among the examples provided to judges including a team member visited an elderly client on Christmas Day because they had no family of their own.

Cartmell Shepherd was the only company from Cumbria to be named as a finalist.

And while the honours ultimately went to a Newcastle-based company, director Deborah Flynn said: “Obviously we would have been very pleased to win our category, but the shortlist was very strong and simply making the final was fantastic, especially as we were the only law firm from Cumbria to do so.

“I’m so very proud of the team and everything they do.”

The private client team acts on behalf of families and individuals for wills, probate, estates and the court of protection.

Peter Stafford, managing director of Cartmell Shepherd, a UK200 firm, said: “Our business is built on the expertise of our team, but also on the compassion and care they give to our clients.

“Many people believe law is simply a transactional business, but it is so much more than that. Building strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients and earning their trust is so important.

“We do that by showing we care, and that can often involve going above and beyond."