An established Settle law firm has been sold.

The business of Derek M Jordan, in Chapel Street, has been acquired by fast-growing Coles Solicitors, which has its headquarters in Northallerton and additional offices in York and Thirsk.

Mr Jordan remains with Coles as a consultant during the transition.

“We’re delighted with this expansion,” said Coles managing director and principal solicitor Peter Gibson.

“It’s at the opposite end of the Yorkshire Dales to our existing offices, so we can now cover the east and west of the patch.

“We’ll be retaining the service of the practice’s lawyers and support staff, and augmenting the expertise of the whole group – particularly in the area of agricultural conveyancing and probate.

“We will continue to serve the needs of Bentham clients too, with home visits as necessary, where Derek Jordan had an office for many years until May 2011.”

Agricultural property expert Simon Best joins the Settle team as part of the deal, working alongside Mr Jordan and fellow solicitor Lilias Glen.

“The new acquisition will enable us to offer our whole range of services from all of our offices and we look forward to growing our client base in Settle and the surrounding area,” Mr Gibson added.

“Derek Jordan has faithfully served the people of Settle – and until last year, of Bentham too – for more than 40 years, just as his father did before him.”

Mr Jordan said: “It has been a privilege to work in such a beautiful area all my life, and I am honoured to have acted for so many people throughout that time.

“I am delighted that Coles have acquired my practice as I know they will offer an exceptional service to the people of north Craven – I wish them every success with their new venture.

“I am also afforded to the opportunity to assist with the transition, by being a consultant to the new firm in the coming months.”