Cheltenham MP and Justice Minister Alex Chalk paid a visit to the Cheltenham office of HCR Law to celebrate the launch of the firm's latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The Minister met representatives from Cheltenham team's four charity partners - Gloucestershire's The Pied Piper Appeal, Stroud-based Nelson Trust, Three Counties blood cancer charity Linc and the Cheltenham Hospital Oncology garden to learn more about their work and the financial support they gained from HCR Law.

Rachel Roberts, who leads the office's CSR initiatives, said: "For years, we've embraced CSR - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because we genuinely care. Our commitment to CSR helps us connect with the community, help others in need and work together."

Mr Chalk praised the initiative: "HCR Law's work is of the community and for the community."

Head of Cheltenham Office Krissy Scott added: "It's great to be able to hear about the work our chosen charities have been doing and how our support has helped."

The morning was also a celebration of Captain John Rickerby, a descendant of the firm's founder. Captain Rickerby served in the 2/5th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment in WW2, and is commemorated in the Cheltenham office.

A display in the firm's reception features a short biography, photos and a heartfelt letter from soldier Will Wintle, who served with Captain Rickerby in the battlefield and was with him when he lost his life. Also on display was the cross made when he died, which lay in Holnon, France, in 1918.

HCR's Law's re-launched CSR initiatives include July's charity netball tournament, a summer charity event and a Christmas quiz in December, which will see range of businesses compete against each other in teams.

● HCR Law's Cheltenham office, the company's biggest of 60 in the UK, dates back to legal practice at the address in Wellington Street to 1796.