TWO major legal firms with Swindon offices have announced new faces will be joining them.

Alistair Henry, formerly a partner at City firm Speechly Bircham and niche property firm Maxwell Bat-ley, has joined Withy King Commercial's property department.

Mr Henry is a qualified solicitor and barrister, meaning he can cover all areas of commercial property, from site identification to letting and sales and advocacy at planning inquiries.

Chris Kane, head of Withy King Commercial, said: "Alistair's dual qualification as a solicitor and barrister means we are one of only a few south west law firms who can provide our clients with a comprehensive range of property services incorporating planning appeals and public inquiries as well as the usual trans- actional work."

Meanwhile Charles Lucas and Marshall has appointed Malcolm Poynter to lead its commercial property team.

Mr Poynter will help shape the team's strategic aims and look after its internal structure and budgets.

He said: "The commercial property team has continued to grow in response to customer demand and is now one of the busiest in the firm. I hope to enhance the deservedly high profile the team has earned."