THE agricultural department at a law firm in Kirkby Lonsdale has welcomed a new arrival.

Solicitor Avelina Wright has joined John Myers and Lara McIntosh in the farming property team at Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand. The long-established practice also has an office in Lancaster.

Avelina was one of the first Fellows of the Agricultural Law Association in the region and co-founded its North West group, which she continues to run.

She has a passion for the great outdoors and is an active member of the Cave Rescue Organisation, which covers the Three Peaks area in the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Lancashire.

Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand described Avelina's move as "very welcome" and "creating one of the largest and most experienced specialist agricultural property departments in the North West".

The firm says it has a lengthy history of working with farmers and landowning clients.