DORSET law firms Coles Miller and DTW Solicitors are to merge from May 1.

The combined firm will be known as Coles Miller Solicitors LLP (incorporating DTW Solicitors).

It will be one of the largest practices in Dorset with around 150 personnel and offices in Poole, Broadstone, Charminster and now central Bournemouth.

DTW is a general practice firm established in 1961 by Derek T Wilkinson.

Led by partners Andrew Howard and Shauna Lines, the firm has an office of 20 staff on Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth.

Coles Miller senior partner Roger Senior said: "The merger makes commercial sense for both firms, broadening the range of services and breadth of expertise it can offer our clients.

"It also gives Coles Miller the opportunity to develop a greater presence in the Bournemouth area with a central office.

"The location is ideal for the Sandbanks, Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs catchment and offers clients easy access (straight off the Wessex Way) with ample parking."

Andrew Howard said: "The merger with Coles Miller means that we can offer a much broader range of services to our clients, both private and commercial, including business and company law, employment law, matrimonial and litigation.

"Although Coles Miller is a much bigger firm than DTW, it shares a similar philosophy and approach to client service."

Most staff will remain in their existing roles and it is expected that the merger will be the first step in the continued expansion of the firm.