WYRE Forest law firm mfg Solicitors has bolstered its farming and rural affairs department with the appointment of a specialist lawyer.

Agricultural expert Helen Gough has joined the firm’s Kidderminster office as senior assistant solicitor.

Ms Gough will play a key role in broadening the firm’s number of rural clients across Worcestershire and the UK and will work closely with head of the firm’s agricultural and rural affairs division, Iain Morrison.

Mr Morrison said: “Helen is a talented agricultural specialist who has had an outstanding career.

“I am delighted to bring her into the team, especially at a time when farmers, landowners and rural enterprises are having to manage considerable change, legal hurdles and face up to complicated European-led subsidy reforms.”

Ms Gough said: “I am looking forward to playing my part in developing our rural client base and adding value for our existing clients – especially for intricate contentious matters, share farming agreements and tenancy issues.”

The company, which has eight offices throughout Worcestershire and Shropshire, has 33 partners and employs more than 160 people.