A KEIGHLEY law firm has won a prestigious honour.

Makin Dixon took the Family Law Firm of the Year title at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.

The presentation ceremony, hosted by BBC Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton, was held at the New Dock in Leeds.

Makin Dixon was recognised for its legal aid work, and "groundbreaking case wins and innovative training methods".

The company has developed training programmes for lawyers focussing on domestic abuse and children, with a heavy lean towards legal aid.

And in the past year one of its cases resulted in a change to UK legal aid rules, widening the scope for domestic abuse victims to gain access to help.

Makin Dixon partner, Jane Campbell, says: "We have generated UK-wide interest due to our huge successes in the court arena and this prestigious award recognises the innovative nature of our approach to family law."

The Family Law Award, sponsored by Spire Barristers Leeds, was co-presented by Jacqueline Thomas KC.

Next month, Makin Dixon is staging a free conference to raise awareness around the issues facing 'northern children'.

Bradford district has one of the highest child poverty rates in the UK.

A Makin Dixon spokesperson says: "We have seen an increase in the number of families finding themselves living below the poverty line – facing issues within the household such as increased domestic abuse, and drug and alcohol abuse, and the impact this has on being a child.

"The current challenges are not limited to the cost-of-living crisis – they stem back over years of economic and social failure with no meaningful improvements in living standards, especially for people on lower incomes, as a result of which children have suffered.

"Poverty restricts opportunities for children and limits their access to things that most people take for granted. Poverty at any stage of life can lead to negative consequences, but more particularly in early years development which is a crucial stage of any person’s life.

"The conference is being headlined by the former chief of the Crown Prosecution Service in the north-west, Nazir Afzal, who has spent a career protecting those at risk of harm and continues to campaign for change for the most vulnerable members of society.

"Also, a number of experts have been arranged as speakers who will share their invaluable experience."

The event takes place at Bradford Central Foodbank, the Jubilee Centre, Jermyn Street, Bradford, on Thursday, November 16. Registration is at 9am.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. Email conference@makindixon.co.uk or call 01535 605040.