A SOLICITOR in Huddersfield has retired after 47 years working in the legal profession.

David Blakeborough has stepped down as consultant at town centre law firm Eaton Smith.

Mr Blakeborough was presented with gifts by colleagues at a presentation held at the firm’s High Street offices.

He started his legal career in 1964 in Brighouse and joined Brook Freeman, of Huddersfield, in 1874. The firm merged with Eaton Smith & Downey in 1980.

Mr Blakeborough was instrumental in the subsequent merger of Eaton Smith & Downey and Marshall Mills & Sykes.

He made a major contribution to the development of the merged firm, not least as head of the residential property department. He was a partner until April, 2008, when he became a consultant.

Mr Blakeborough will continue his practice as a notary public, dealing with legal matters involving overseas jurisdictions for the foreseeable future.