A BELGIAN solicitor, who has studied in Brussels, China and Britain, has joined York law firm Langleys.

Françoise Vandale has been appointed to the firm's private client team, specialising in agricultural matters.

After reading sociology and politics in Belgium, Françoise travelled to China to study ancient Chinese history at Beijing University, becoming fluent in both oral and written Chinese.

Upon leaving China, Françoise worked in London and at the same time studied English law at London University.

After training in Manchester for two years from 1995, Françoise became a tax specialist solicitor.

As well as working with Langleys' private client team, Françoise will also be assisting colleagues in the commercial department on tax issues.