Hansells Solicitors has opened for business at the Bircham Centre in Reepham – filling a gap left by the closure of another practice two years ago.

Hansells, established in 1827, has its headquarters in Norwich and offices at Aylsham, Cromer, North Walsham and Sheringham. The Reepham office will initially open between 9am and 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, or via appointments on other days.

Roger Holden, managing partner of Hansells Solicitors, said: 'Reepham has a great identity of its own and is a town that is unified and we are trying to look after it. It is a very exciting time and I think Reepham has such a vibrant and lovely community. It is important for us to support this community – rural areas without services become a lot poorer.'

Purdy and Co closed in October 2010 and Hansells was approached in the middle of last year by the trustees of the Bircham Centre.

Brenda Gostling, secretary of Reepham Chamber of Commerce, said: 'The chamber is promoting Reepham as a small business centre with our campaign for Beter Broadband and the new community transport initiative that will encourage residents in out-lying villages to come to town to support local businesses.'