A PROMINENT North-East figure in the law profession has died, aged 79.

Michael Manning, who became popular for developing a large family law firm in Stockton, died on July 26 after three years of battling illness.

Mr Manning was described as a Stocktonian through and through.

His father was a local GP in Norton Road, in the town, where Mr Manning lived until he was a young man. He attended the old Stockton Grammar School before joining Cohen, Jackson and Scott as a trainee - qualifying as a solicitor in 1955.

He moved to the now-demolished part of Finkle Street two years later, joining forces with Neville Bolsover.

In 1958, Mr Manning met and married his wife, Ann, from Sutton Coldfield, in the Midlands, and bought a house in Stockton.

The couple have three children, Guy, Nigel and Kate.

Mr Manning specialised in family law and developed a large practice and reputation with Bolsover, Manning, Scott and Company.

He was also involved with the local chamber of trade in the Fifties and became president in the Sixties.

He became a founder member and chairman of the local Social Democratic party in the early 1980s.

In 1988, he became president of the Durham and North Yorkshire Law Society.

Mr Manning was a keen Free-mason and campaigned for openness within society, working ceaselessly to raise money for local charities and founding accessible and interesting Lodges.

A raconteur, family say Mr Manning was a friend and gentleman to many.

A character of the old school, he had some style and was often seen pacing Stockton High Street in a bowler hat, wearing a monocle.

Mr Manning retired in 1998 after his law practice in Bridge Road amalgamated with Tilly, Bailey and Irving.

A service of celebration of his life was held at St Bede's Crematorium on August 3.