Leading Merseyside solicitor David Kirwan has been crowned Professional of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Mr Kirwan, Senior Partner of Wirral and Liverpool law firm Kirwans beat off tough competition to win the prize at this year's Downtown Liverpool in Business Awards.

Clinching the award was the culmination of a hugely successful year for Kirwans, which has seen continued financial growth and staff numbers rising to almost 100 across its three offices.

The firm has also launched a number of new departments and invested heavily in IT to ensure the most dynamic and cost effective service for clients.

David Kirwan said: "I am personally thrilled to have receive the DLIB Professional of the Year award, but more importantly this is recognition for the fantastic work done by everyone at the firm over recent years.

"We have firmly established ourselves as the complete law firm in Merseyside which is able to meet the needs of clients across a diverse range of legal areas."

Simon Gibson, Kirwans' Managing Partner, said: "Through his tireless and often high profile work over more than 40 years, David has established himself as one of the leading lawyers in the North West.

"It is fitting that he should be honoured and that the firm should be recognised for the terrific advances it has made in recent years."

David clinched the award, announced during a prestigious evening at Liverpool's Crowne Plaza Hotel, after receiving more votes from the region's business community than the other candidates who included Tony Wilson of law firm Hill Dickinson and top banker Peter Lunt.