LAWYER IN THE NEWS

Who? David Wood, 56-year-old partner specialising in health & safety, planning and environment in the Bristol office of Bevan Ashford.Why is he in the news? Represents Glastonbury Festivals on its annual application to Mendip District Council for a public entertainments licence for each festival.

Since the cancellation of last year's festival and promoter Michael Eavis's prosecution for breach of licence conditions, he has been working with the council and Avon & Somerset police to ensure that Glastonbury's management submitted an application which met their requirements.

Mr Eavis's initial application provoked strong objections from the council and the police, but a revised application - including provisions such as a fence to prevent gatecrashers from climbing over - last week was successful.Background: Qualified in 1969 after five years' articles with Essex firm Hatten Asplin Glenny.

He then joined Hatton Dewey & Mappin, also in Essex, after qualification, moving to Harris & Harris in Wells in 1976.

He joined Bevan Ashford in 1987 as a partner, became head of the planning and environment team in 1996, and now heads the infrastructure department.Route to the case: Has acted for Mr Eavis for more than 20 years.

Following the festival in 2000, Mr Eavis decided to take a break during 2001 while he reconsidered the festival's viability.Thoughts on the case: 'The police had many questions regarding public safety following the influx of ticketless fans in 2000, so it was essential that Michael put a strong management team in place who had the full confidence of the police.

Once this was achieved, the police objections were overcome and the way was clear for the council to grant the licence.

After my encounter with Liam Gallagher in 1995, I'm looking forward to meeting Rod Stewart this year.'Dealing with the media: 'Glastonbury always attracts a lot of media attention and obviously everybody is very keen to speak to Michael himself.

My role is to restrain his natural enthusiasm with a moderating influence.'Victoria MacCallum