RUSSELL & Russell partners Amanda Connor and Roger Vaughan -- together with associate Lesley Smythe -- have been awarded accredited specialist status by the Solicitors Family Law Association.

The SFLA scheme is designed to help people who are facing family breakdown make an informed choice when seeking the help of a solicitor.

They are among 483 solicitors in the country to be awarded the new status which recognises their special skills in handling a variety of family disputes.

Amanda Connor, head of the Bolton firm's family department, said: "These examinations involved a detailed test of our knowledge in skills as solicitors dealing with family and matrimonial law.

"We all specialise in this area of law and it is pleasing -- and a great personal achievement -- to gain the accreditation."

Amanda Connor is also accredited to the Law Society Children Panel and Roger Vaughan is an approved member of the Law Society Family Law Panel.

Lesley Smythe and Amanda Connor work at Russell & Russell's Bolton premises and Roger Vaughan operates from the Farnworth office.