CHARLOTTE Mitchell, of Taunton-based Acorn Solicitors, has won this year's Cook and Hatchard's Law Prize after excelling in her first year as a lawyer.

The accolade recognises outstanding performing lawyers who have completed their training in the previous 12 months.

Charlotte, a former student at The Castle School and Richard Huish College, received the award at the County Ground, Taunton, earlier this month.

Charlotte, aged 27, is a specialist in helping clients get free nursing care on the NHS - saving her clients over £500,000 in care fees in only three years.

She said: "I am absolutely thrilled to win this award. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year of being a newly qualified lawyer and helping people with their NHS Care fees.

"Winning this highlights the issue of care fees and recognises the important work that needs to be done in this area.

"Being a carer was emotionally draining and traumatic for us all. My granddad had a terminal lung disease so we had to help him get changed, wash his hair, help out with personal care - everything really. I understand what some local people are going through every day. That is why I wanted to be a solicitor.

"One in three of us will develop Dementia. My passion is helping those living with dementia in any way I can. Seeing a loved one with this illness is one of the worst things you can go through."

Charlotte was also highly commended by Solicitors for the Elderly during her training and received one of their highest ever marks.