A LAWYER has given bioscience firms a boost after joining a York solicitors' firm.

Dr Eileen McMorrow will be supporting the growing number of science-based firms in the city after being appointed by Harrowell Shaftoe.

She will be focusing on intellectual property rights - a key area of concern for many bioscience businesses.

Dr McMorrow has a PhD in Plant Biochemistry. She was also awarded the Tadion Rideal Prize for Distinguished Postgraduate work in Molecular Science while at King's College, London.

Her legal qualifications include a postgraduate diploma in intellectual property law and practice.

Her appointment has been welcomed by bioscience firms who said her arrival would be a "big boost".

Science City York Project Manager, Anna Rooke, said:

"Such specialist professional support services available locally will undoubtedly be a huge asset in helping to further develop the cluster."

Chief Executive of York Inward Investment Board Paul Murphy added: "Dr McMorrow's appointment is significant and very welcome.

"It is an indication of just how well professional services in York have responded to the particular requirements of the growing scientific community."