TRIBUTES flowed as Judge Raymond Bennett sat for the last time as Honorary Recorder of Burnley.

His retirement brings to an end not only a 43-year career in the law, but an era for the town, as it loses its own judge.

Judge Bennett, 65, was Burnley's last full-time resident judge.

The town's crown court is now set to become a satellite of Preston Crown Court and Judge Peter Openshaw QC will be at the helm of both.

Court One at Burnley was packed with judges, lawyers, dignitaries, Crown Prosecution Service and court staff, family and friends as the judge finally took off his wig for the last time on Friday.

Judge Barbara Watson, who has sat regularly at Burnley for the last three and a half years, told the gathering Judge Bennett was never too busy to listen, to help and to guide.

She said the judge was a man and a judge who extended courtesy to all and had a very strong sense of fairness and justice.

She added: "Burnley Crown Court has been such a happy place to work under his leadership. Lawyers and staff have great respect and great affection for him."

She said Judge Bennett was a "very decent man" who had left a very distinguished mark at Burnley, had been a great privilege to work with and the court would not be quite the same without him.

Roger Farley QC, speaking on behalf of the Northern Circuit, said he and Judge Bennett went back a long way.

Mr Farley said he had been an articled clerk in Blackburn when the judge was a solicitor and he had helped him pass his Law Society finals.

Mr Farley said Judge Bennett had been " a source of encouragement" to him and had served three professions with distinction.

Roger Baldwin, on behalf of the Bar, said Judge Bennett had had a successful career both in civil and criminal work.

The barrister said Burnley Crown Court was one where everyone felt at ease and Judge Bennett had occupied the position as Honorary Recorder with serenity, courtesy and patience.

In reply, Judge Bennett said he had had nine very enjoyable years at Burnley and he hoped and believed the atmosphere was happy and agreeable.

He continued: "I hope that all who come here have felt they have been well looked after and hopefully that will continue. I hope the court will go from strength to strength."

Judge Bennett thanked everyone involved in the court - even the Press for what he described as its "accurate" reporting of proceedings.