Manchester solicitors are giving generously of their time to local community projects, research has uncovered.

A survey by City firm DLA on behalf of charity LawWorks North has revealed that up to 400 lawyers in Greater Manchester have devoted a total of 16,000 hours to pro bono work so far this year.

Work has focused on local projects, with many solicitors advising community groups, acting as trustees on the boards of local charities, and putting the hours in at Manchester law centres.

LawWorks North co-ordinator Clare Kelly said: 'A local focus seems to be the key - Manchester lawyers are very geared to the needs of their local community.

There is much more pro bono work going on in Manchester than we would have thought.

You only tend to hear about the London firms doing it.'

The survey received responses from more than 100 law firms, chambers, in-house lawyers and higher education establishments.

Of these, 41 organisations were already involved in pro bono schemes, and 14 of these wanted to do more.

LawWorks North, which is the northern branch of the project set up by the Solicitors Pro Bono Group, matches the legal needs of community groups and advice agencies to willing law firms.