WORCESTERSHIRE law firm Thursfields now has scores of new clients on its books thanks to its takeover of a rival practice.

Retiring solicitors Stuart and Anne-Marie Phillips Broadhurst handed their practice to the five-office firm after almost 20 years in the business.

"One of our prime concerns when deciding to retire was to ensure that our clients would continue to receive a first-class legal service," said Mr Phillips Broadhurst, who in turn has taken over Beacon Books in Malvern.

"Having worked in Worcester for many years and knowing from first hand Thursfields' reputation, I approached them and was delighted they were willing to provide their wide range of legal services to my existing clients, who I'm sure will be in very good hands for the future."

Richard Watkins, partner at Thursfields' in Worcester, said clients would be able to benefit from a wider range of legal specialists.

The firm has offices in Foregate Street, Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn.