Pictured above: Geoff Strong

Midland lawyer Geoff Strong has retired after a lifetime in the profession.

And he departed with tributes and gifts from members of the legal fraternity at Kidderminster County Court.

Mr Strong, aged 65, was an associate in the civil litigation team at MFG Solicitors, latterly based in the Kidderminster branch.

He was 27 years with the practice and its predecessors and also had spells in Droitwich and Bromsgrove. But he began his career in Birmingham with various different firms including Reynolds & Co and Philip Baker King & Co.

"I've done everything - civil, divorce, and criminal, including working on five murders."

Indeed it was a murder case which got him into the law.

"I was taken by my school to Lewes Assizes in Sussex to view this trial and I decided I wanted a piece of that, so I chose the law.

"I have enjoyed it. I am a nosy person. I like talking to people and helping them if I can. It has been great - I have met so many lovely individuals."

Mr Strong built up considerable expertise in many aspects of civil litigation.

Particular areas of interest included mobile home park disputes, debt collection and contracts and disputes relating to motor sports. He also specialised in building, contract and boundary disputes.

Originally from Somerset, he is married with two children and two grandchildren.

His wife Sue has also retired from her physiotherapy business.

Much of their spare time is now likely to be spent in helping to run UK motor sport events.

Mr Strong is an international steward and a national clerk of the course.

It means everything from ensuring rules and safety standards are followed through to adjudicating in disputes.

He has also been appointed as chairman of the organising committee for Cancer Research UK's Festival of Brass & Voices at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012.

Held every three years, the 2009 event raised more than £100,000.

He is a former governor of Bromsgrove School.

Maynard Burton, chairman of MFG Solicitors, paid tribute to Mr Strong.

He said: "Although not a solicitor he developed good skills in his chosen field of general litigation and was an excellent advocate. He was very well liked by court staff which is always a good barometer as to a lawyer's credentials."