THREE new trainees have started at Joe Egan Solicitors in Mawdsley Street.

Matthew Stokes, who graduated in law from Sheffield University in 1995, spent four years in Bolton Council's Housing Department before switching to the legal profession.

Elizabeth Senior received a commendation in her solicitors' exams at Manchester Metropolitan University after leaving Stirling University in 1999 with a degree in history. And Peter Hayes completed his solicitors' examinations at the College of Law in Chester following his graduation in law from the University of Central Lancashire.

Senior partner Joe Egan, a keen Bolton Wanderers fan, said: "Ask any football manager -- success is based on quality players and a strong youth policy.

"It is no different in the legal profession. The firm has grown substantially in the last few years, so we are delighted to welcome our new trainees and to wish them every success."

Fleur Atkinson, who joined the firm in 1998, has qualified as a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives after four years' study.

She is a psychology graduate from Portsmouth University who has progressed from trainee legal executive and secretary to a fee earner now dealing with personal injury cases. NEW TRAINEES: Left to right: Peter Hayes, Elizabeth Senior and Matthew Stokes QUALIFIED: Fleur Atkinson