A FIRM of solicitors held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate moving into the former home of the Bolton News.

Key public figures attended the event by Asons Solicitors at Newspaper House, 40 Churchgate in Bolton.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor Cllr Lynda Byrne and her husband John, Margaret Asquith, CEO of Bolton Council, and Dr Zubair Hanslot of Bolton University UTC.

The guests were given a tour of the new facilities, which have been designed to create the kind of modern working environment that progressive firms within the tech industry have pioneered.

The facilities include a lounge, waiting area with Playstation 4, fitted kitchens, multiple TVs, prayer room, four meeting rooms to provide clients with confidentiality, a pool table and football table for break periods.

Cllr Lynda Byrne said that Asons’ relocation, acquisition of the building and refurbishment of it was "Very good."

She added: " It was around six years ago that my husband was the Mayor, and he opened Asons on Chorley New Road. It was a much smaller building than this one and I think there was about 50 people working there. So it just proves how successful of a business Asons is with now over 100 people working for them.”

Commenting on the launch, Asons CEO Dr Imran Akram, said: “Today has been more than the launch of our new offices – it’s about the heart of Bolton.

"Our new home is in the centre of Bolton and we are so pleased to be joined by key figures in the Bolton area. It’s important for us to stay in the centre because we want to do so much for the area as a firm and through our charity – Asons Foundation. It’s been a fantastic event and I’m very thankful to our guests for making this a wonderful occasion.”