A LOCAL firm of solicitors held a celebration dinner to mark 125 years' service to Bolton, Blackburn, Astley Bridge and Westhoughton.

Fieldings Porter, which is based in Silverwell Street, Bolton, has evolved from a series of mergers over the years.

The roots go back to 1871 when Matthew Fielding established his practice at 7 Fold Street in Bolton town centre - a property which has since disappeared under Crompton Place.

George Fernihough joined him in 1887 and the firm became known as Fielding and Fernihough.

Matthew's son Edgar, who joined on the death of his father in 1915, remained a partner until 1958 and continued to go to the office until shortly before his death in 1962.

The latest merger on May 1, 1995 involved Fieldings and Porter Hope & Knipe.

Currently the 12-partner firm has 26 solicitors, an extensive team of highly-skilled support staff and the latest in computer technology.

It has an address on the Internet.

Senior Partner David Porter said that many things had changed over the years with the introduction of computers, the awarding of a Legal Aid Franchise and current initiatives towards an Investor in People award.

But the aim to give the highest possible quality of service to clients had not changed and never would.

The dinner was held at the Egerton House Hotel, Bolton.

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