Martin de Bertodano, a partner with solicitors Pooley Dale in Swindon, has been appointed chairman of the Solicitors Benevolent Association.

Mr de Bertodano whose name derives from his Spanish great-great grandfather who came to England 150 years ago, has worked in Swindon for more than 30 years, and lives in Somerford Keynes. Mr De Bertodano is also interested in British military history and has worked on books including the biography of the late Lady Longford.