A KEIGHLEY law firm has formed a partnership offering people an alternative route into the profession.

AWB Charlesworth Solicitors has teamed-up with BPP University Law School to launch a Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship scheme.

Under the six-year programme, apprentices will study whilst gaining practical experience – and avoid accumulating large student debts.

The first apprentice, Emma Davies, starts on the scheme next month.

She said: "This programme appealed to me because it would allow me to gain hands-on experience in the legal field whilst earning a wage. University did not offer me this pathway."

AWB Charlesworth associate director Chris Cooper, who will lead the programme with colleague Sadia Ali, said: "We are looking forward to giving young people an alternative route into the legal profession."