A Maidstone solicitor has received an "unsung hero" award from the Law Society.

Patrick Bligh, of Gullands, has worked in Kent for more than 35 years and the majority of his clients have been legally aided.

The awards are in recognition of Mr Bligh's work behind the scenes "for the benefit of the local area."

He was nominated by the Kent Law Society, which said: "Patrick is very well respected amongst magistrates, solicitors, police, prosecutors and judges alike and has represented all sorts of clients charged with many serious offences, from drink-driving, murder, fraud and serious sexual crimes."

Mr Bligh is a long standing member of the Kent Law Society and a past president of the Medway Law Society.

He said: "I am delighted to receive this award in recognition for my work in criminal litigation. Gullands has a long track record and very strong reputation in dealing with criminal litigation."