A PARTNER of a business advisers has been crowned the first accountancy personality of the year.

Les Nutter, managing partner of Cassons, chartered accountants and business advisers, won the inaugural award at the North West Society of Chartered Accountants Accountancy and Business Awards.

The award was designed to reflect nominees unique way of doing business and how their originality, character, imagination and reputation help their clients and the firm they work for.

Les joined Cassons, based in St Crispin Way, Haslingden, in 1976, as an articled clerk when the company was called JB Lever and Co.

He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985 before becoming a partner in 1989.

Les, who lives in Burnley, said: "I was delighted to receive the award and touched by all the comments.

"The whole experience has been humbling but it's simply a reflection of the approach that we all adopt at Cassons towards our clients and friends."