TRIBUTES are being paid to a well-known and respected North-East solicitor who died while on holiday.

Richard Hinks' death happened in Scotland last week while on holiday with his wife, Ishbel. He was 64.

Mr Hinks, had only recently retired from Latimer Hinks Solicitors, in Darlington.

He suffered a heart attack in Iona, off the west coast of Scotland. He was taken to a hospital in Oban, where he died.

He leaves his wife and two grown-up children, Donald and Kirsty, who both live outside the area.

Mr Hinks' death came as a shock to his family, friends and former colleagues in Darlington.

David Brown, a senior partner at Latimer Hinks, said: "Richard was a genuine man and a very respected lawyer. He was careful, considerate, well-mannered and someone who really knew his law.

"He will be greatly missed by a lot of people but his name will live on at Latimer Hinks." Mr Hinks' friend and former colleague, Alan Vickers, said he was still coming to terms with his death.

"Richard's death was very sudden. He had shown no signs of being ill. He was a tremendous fellow and a great friend, who was of the highest integrity. A lot of people will be saddened by his death."

Graham Hunsley, who works at Cohens Solicitors, in Darlington, said: "Richard was very well respected and a well known member of the legal profession in Darlington, and there will be many people who will want to pay their respects to him."

Mr Hinks followed his father, Charles, into the legal profession and only recently retired from Latimer Hinks, having worked on a part-time basis for the past couple of years.

Funeral arrangements are still to be arranged but it is expected Mr Hinks' will be buried in Darlington later this week.