A law firm which has operated for more than 200 years has merged with a former local rival.

Winch & Winch, which has served Medway from its offices in New Road Avenue, Chatham , throughout its long history, has now been incorporated into dgb Solicitors .

The newly enlarged firm will be based at dgb's offices in Chatham Maritime while Winch & Winch's historic office will close.

Ian Pentecost, chairman of dgb Solicitors, said: “The commonality of the two firms is the ethos of a high quality and personal service.

"The new firm will deliver a wider range of legal advice to more clients across the county, but the emphasis will always be on achieving desired outcomes for our clients speedily, thoroughly and efficiently."

Senior partner at Winch & Winch, Nicholas Wharton, is retiring from partnership after 40 years’ service, but will remain as a consultant to the new firm.

Tracey Smith, managing partner with Winch, will become a partner at dgb.

She added: “Everyone at Winch & Winch is excited and extremely positive about our merger with dgb; it is a great opportunity. The new firm will have greater resource and expertise that will undoubtedly benefit our mutual clients”.

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