Pictured: Amanda Wickstead who has now qualified as a legal executive at Martin- Kaye Solicitors in Telford

Hard work and dedication has paid off for a Telford woman who has now qualified as  a legal executive for a local firm.

Amanda Wickstead originally joined Martin-Kaye Solicitors, in Telford, as a legal secretary in the commercial corporate team.

And after studying for her qualifications alongside her day-job, she has now been named as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

"Before I could officially call myself a legal executive, I needed to complete five years' training, and two years had to be done in the work place after my final exams.

"I worked in the commercial corporate team carrying out company secretarial work, commercial contract work and assisting with the sale and purchase of companies.

"My time at Martin-Kaye Solicitors has been an incredible learning curve so far, and I'm extremely grateful for their support during my training.

"I'm particularly indebted to Stuart Haynes, who leads the commercial corporate team, as he gave me the opportunity to take up this chance to develop my skills, and has been very helpful throughout the learning process."

Amanda is now working as a legal executive in the commercial corporate team dealing with commercial contract work and company secretarial work.

Stuart Haynes said: "Amanda has worked incredibly hard over an extended period of time, and her dedication and commitment has now paid off.

"To achieve her qualifications while working full-time in a busy law practice is an excellent achievement and we're all very proud of her."

For more information on Martin-Kaye Solicitors visit their website here: www.martinkaye.co.uk