BOSSES at a Blackburn law firm have announced what have been described as 'record' first financial quarter results.

Investments in technology and people have been cited as the reasons behind Farleys strong start to 2019-20.

And the East Lancashire outfit has made an unabashed appeal to customers of a Blackburn rival, which has had a troubled summer.

The practice, which is based in Blackburn's Richmond Terrace and has offices in Accrington, Burnley, Manchester, Shadsworth and Preston, with a consulting base in London, has made the announcement after six years of double-digit growth.

According to their first quarter results, Farleys has seen a 12.5 per cent rise in fees, compared to the same period in 2018.

Last year the firm staged a recruitment drive and took on a swathe of new staff at their Lancashire and Manchester offices to cope with increased demand.

And management says their commercial team and abuse claims department had particularly enjoyed robust starts to the year.

The firm also became a stand sponsor at Accrington Stanley last month.

Managing partner Ian Liddle said: "The first quarter performance is particularly pleasing against a backdrop of many law firms struggling, an issue highlighted recently by the insolvency of Roebucks solicitors in Blackburn.

"Farleys have been around for more than 60 years and are an integral part of the community and are here to stay.

"Any clients affected by the demise of Roebucks are welcome to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation."

Administrators were called in at the 110-year-old Roebucks last week and the firm was immediately acquired by Manchester-based AWH.

The new owners say staff and files from Roebucks have transferred to the fresh entity and clients should not notice any difference. Pinsent Masons were instructed by administrators FRP Advisory to handle the legal side of their affairs.

Roebucks was unavailable for further comment as the Lancashire Telegraph went to press.