A solicitors practice has just completed its second takeover in less than a year.

Hatten Wyatt, based in Gravesend, has acquired one of the county's oldest firms, Chatham's Stephens & Son Solicitors, in a deal which completed on July 1.

The law firm took over Tenterden's Pengelly & Rylands last August. Before that it had acquired Morlings in 2013, which retained its office in Maidstone, and incorporated the firms Nigel Edwards & Company in 2014 and Church Bruce in 2008.

Established 224 years ago, Stephens & Son is a part of Medway’s heritage.

Hatten Wyatt senior partner Jasvinder Singh Gill said: "We are thrilled to announce the incorporation of Stephens & Son within the firm.

"Both firms are long standing and have great reputations within the local community, with clients being referred by existing clients and other professionals.

"As a firm we have a clear vision for the future as we continue to grow and offer trusted legal services to the people of Kent”

As part of the deal Stephens & Son office will relocate to Cambridge Terrace, Chatham.

The combined Hatten Wyatt practices now have more than 80 staff with 12 partners across all of its offices.