A YORK law firm is growing its staff development programme with the appointment of two new apprentices.

Lauren Almond and Annabel Charlton are the newest apprentices to be taken on by Coles Solicitors, which employs 45 staff across eight practices in Yorkshire, including one in Micklegate, and a newly acquired office in Market Weighton.

Miss Charlton, from Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, joined the company in September having left at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

The 18-year-old has her sights set on a career in law and is currently learning the ropes as an apprentice office assistant on the new business team.

Miss Almond, 21, from Bagby near Thirsk, also joined in September and is working as an apprentice administration assistant.

Peter Gibson, managing director of Coles Solicitors, said: "We are always keen to recruit and develop young people from the area and Lauren and Annabel are excellent additions to our ever-expanding team at Coles.

"As apprentices they will gain valuable insight into the day-to-day workings of a busy legal practice and hopefully this will lead to them both pursuing permanent careers in the industry."