A WELL-known Hexham solicitor is busy saying his final goodbyes to clients past and present before heading off to enjoy his retirement.

As a newcomer to Hexham town centre nearly 40 years ago, Graham Craig launched the Hexham branch of Williamsons solicitors with just himself and a secretary and not a single client.

Starting off above what is now Virgin Money in 1979, Williamsons grew, eventually ending up at its current location on Priestpopple .

Mr Craig, who lives in Hexham, is looking forward to handing over to his daughter, Katherine, who will take over as senior partner upon her father’s departure today.

He said: “I have no doubt that Katherine is capable of taking the business forward, as I know she is a very competent solicitor. But I guess she has probably also picked up a few tips from her old dad along the way!”

Williamsons was renamed Williamsons Craig earlier this year to reflect the family name, after it became independent of another branch in Whitley Bay.

Katherine will work alongside two other partners, Forbes Lukins and James Mackie, who have worked with the firm for several years.

Katherine said: “It will be great to take on the role. I have been working with my dad now for eight years and I was brought up in Hexham, went to university locally and know the area well, so I feel like I am ready to take the firm forward.

“I will be carrying on what my dad started. Clients seem to like what we do, so there won’t be many changes as there’s no point in fixing what isn’t broken.”

Mr Craig, 66, is now looking forward to spending more time playing drums in local ceilidh band Over the Moon and pursuing his other hobbies, such as bird watching.

He added: “I have been pleased to be of service to people in Hexham and the local community. Over the years I have met and represented many people, from farming to partnerships to individuals – a real cross section of the community – and now it’s about saying goodbye to a lot of people and handing on to Katherine and the other partners to continue what we have built.”