BURNLEY'S senior judge has led more tributes from the legal profession to solicitor Peter Lawson, who died at the weekend in Pendleside Hospice.

Judge Raymond Bennett, who said he counted himself among the many people who would greatly miss the father-of-two and grandfather, said Mr Lawson shone not only in court, but through his sporting achievements.

He was, he added, an excellent solicitor, who had served his clients and firm faithfully and with distinction.

Judge Bennett made his comments at Burnley Crown Court, where other colleagues of Mr Lawson, 61, a partner in the law firm, Donald, Race and Newton, paid tribute.

Mr Lawson, of Grange Road, Cliviger, died on Saturday after a six-month battle with cancer.

He was a president of the East Lancashire Golf Association, captain and president of Burnley Golf Club and chairman of Burnley Cricket Club.

John Bailey, the most senior member of the bar present in court, said Mr Lawson was a delightfully friendly person who represented the very highest standards of the profession.

President of Burnley and Pendle Law Society, David Knagg, spoke of the important role played by Mr Lawson in the profession locally for nearly 40 years and of the fine example he set to budding lawyers.

Derek Lambert, who joined Donald, Race and Newton several years before his "contemporary partner," told the court he and Mr Lawson were at school together - and both had hoped to retire from practice next spring, anticipating becoming consultants.

He said Mr Lawson always had an "ear for everybody," and would be greatly missed for his wise counsel.

Kendal Lindley joined the tribute on behalf of The Crown Prosecution Service.

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