A stalwart of the Worcestershire legal sector has been recognised for his long career at the county's inaugural President's Awards.

The lifetime achievement award, which recognises a significant contribution to the county's legal profession, was presented to Bill Stallard by Worcestershire Law Society.

Mr Stallard spent more than half a century in the legal profession before retiring and was senior partner at John Stallard & Co before its merger with March & Edwards in 2011.

More than 150 guests attended the black-tie dinner at Chateau Impney, in Droitwich, where solicitors from law firms including Hallmark Hulme and mfg Solicitors were recognised for their excellence.

Bill Stallard

Harrison Clark Rickerbys took home a hat trick of awards.

Priya Tromans was named trainee of the year award with judges praising her "talent, energy and enthusiasm" while her firm's website prompted judges to grant it the innovation award.

The young solicitor of the year category was split between two contenders - Alexandra Phillips, of mfg Solicitors, and Kirsty Gilmour, of Harrison Clark Rickerbys.

The judging panel described both as "bright and ambitious".

Solicitor of the year was Lesley Bartlett, partner and head of the family law team at Hallmark Hulme.

Ms Bartlett, who became a solicitor in 1978, was labelled "inspirational" by judges.

In the professional discipline category, which focussed on the county's stand-out family law team, nationally-recognised sole practioner Penny Raby & Co took the top honour.

The award ceremony, which is now set to be an annual event, was hosted by the society's president Iain Morrison and BBC news correspondent Phil Mackie.

Mr Morrison said: "Our first ever awards have been a tremendous success and the event showcased the passion, skill and dedication we have across the legal profession in Worcestershire.

"The judges were hugely impressed by all of our finalists, from those just starting out in their careers to experienced partners and teams. The standard was extremely high across the board.

"It is more than just an award they have won. It is recognition of their quality, excellence and providing a top class service to clients."