A new face has joined the wills, trusts and probate team at one of Cheltenham's highest profile law firms, Willans.

Miranda Hawkes re-joins the firm after leading the wills, trusts and probate department at a Malvern-based firm.

Prior to that, she worked at Willans for five years, latterly as a probate executive.

Simon Cook, head of the firm's Legal 500 and Chambers-rated wills, trusts and probate team, said: "We are delighted to welcome Miranda back to the firm. Her appointment makes us now one of the biggest teams of its kind in the region, and her expertise will help us to continue to meet the ever-increasing demand for the approachable, expert legal advice that Willans is known for."

Ms Hawkes, who has almost 10 years' legal experience, advises clients on wills and lasting powers of attorney, inheritance tax planning, Court of Protection applications and the administration of trusts and estates.

As a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly, she supports many elderly clients, particularly in the handling of their financial affairs on behalf of their attorneys.

She is also a full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), an internationally recognised professional body.

The department secured a coveted place in The Legal 500 for the seventh year running in the latest edition of the independent legal guide, with clients praising the team's "friendly and professional advice at a fair price, while being always prepared to go the extra mile".

Willans LLP are legal advisers to businesses, individuals, charities and not-for-profit organisations based locally, nationally and internationally, and employ around 80 people at their offices at Imperial Square, Cheltenham.