ONE of Worcestershire's leading lawyers has passed away after a short illness.

Martyn Morgan, the head of QualitySolicitors Talbots, which has offices in Kidderminster and Srourport on Severn, died in Worcestershire Royal Hospital aged 60. He had just marked the company’s best ever year in business, achieving £8m of annual fees and helping it secure its position in the top 20 conveyancing firms in the UK.

Rachel Pardoe, practice director at QualitySolicitors Talbots, said: "Everyone is shocked and naturally saddened by Martyn’s sudden passing and our thoughts are with his wife Mary and their children. He was the heartbeat of the business and wasn’t afraid to try new ideas and innovate the way we did things in what is still a very traditional sector. Despite his immense workload he would always make time for people and, more times than not, his larger than life character would brighten up the day with one of his trademark jokes or witty comments.

“As a business, we will continue to work hard to ensure Martyn’s vision – to remain one of the premier law firms in the West Midlands – is achieved. He always believed that local people and businesses shouldn’t have to travel to the big cities and pay extortionate fees to get the right legal advice when they need it most.”

Mr Morgan over QualitySolicitors Talbots in 1991 when the practice had two offices and a handful of staff. Today, the company has more than 190 employees, seven offices across the Black Country and Worcestershire and a reputation for being experts in business, employment, estates, family and property law.

A keep fit enthusiast who had completed the |London and New York marathons, Mr Morgan leaves behind wife Mary, daughters Abby, Charli, Danielle, Hannah and son Ben. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.