Read is young legal professional of the year in Birmingham

Clive Read, a partner at Martineau Johnson, has been named Birmingham's young professional of the year in the legal sector.

Mr Read, who is 35, won the award - handed out by professional services promoter Birmingham Forward - ahead of 26-year-old Pinsent Curtis Biddle banking solicitor Emma Massingham, and Leina Yadev, 28, the principal of Chambers Solicitors.

Mr Read is head of the development team in Martineau's commercial property department, having helped set up the firm's education department in two years.

He is also a fundraiser for the national charity, the Foundation for Conductive Education.

Mr Read said: 'To win the award in the face of such stiff competition is a huge personal honour, but it also reflects very well on our team at Martineau Johnson and our willingness to make a difference.'

In addition to being a 'rising star', Ms Massingham has been involved in Business in the Community projects, while Ms Yadev is active within the Young Solicitors Group.

She was also nominated as businesswoman of the year by the Black Country chamber of commerce and industry.

Andrew Sparrow, a partner at Lee Crowder, won the award last year.