TRIBUTES have been paid to a legal eagle who was one of the youngest solicitors in the country.

Brian Whitworth started his legal career as an articled clerk at Ronald Keogh — now Keoghs Nicholls Lindsell and Harris — in Market Street Altrincham in 1961.

When he qualified as a solicitor in 1966, he was one of the youngest solicitors in the country.

He continued his legal career in Urmston and Partington before moving back to Altrincham where he stayed practising full time as a solicitor with his firm Maddocks Clarke until he died in January, aged 74.

He became a founder member of Trafford Solicitors Association and held a number of positions in the society, including president.

He remained a member until his death.

He also served as deputy district judge in 1992 for two years.

Brian always lived in Altrincham after his marriage to Marilyn in 1967.

They have two children, Lucy and Nick. Nick joined his dad in the firm in 1998 and he is continuing his father’s practice.

Brian was an avid sports fan.

He was a lifetime supporter of Manchester City where he was a season ticket holder for 40 years.

He had run a number of marathons including London and Paris and he was a founder member of Trafford Solicitors Cricket team in the 1980s and played every season — including last year.

He was a member of Cheshire Tally Ho fell running club and was running with the club until a few months before his death.

Vivienne Norman, partner at Maddocks Clarke, said: “I was articled (a trainee) to Brian in 1980 and was honoured to work with him initially when the firm was in Goose Green and recently at Ashley Road.

“His staff have stayed with him some since the early 1980s which is a tribute to the sort of man he was. Clients have stayed with him some for more than 35 years.

“Brian’s death has come as a very sad blow to his family and to all who knew him.

“He loved his work as a solicitor and gave his all for his clients many of whom became his friends. Everyone loved him and he will be sadly missed.”

The funeral is at St Mary’s Church in Bowdon on February 25 at 4pm and afterwards at the Bowdon Rooms.

All are welcome to attend.