Douglas Horner, a prominent partner in Brachers law firm for the past 30 years, is to step down.

Mr Horner has announced his retirement on April 30 after 32 years with the growing Maidstone-based practice.

He is well-known in the county not only for his legal knowledge but also for his wider role in economic affairs.

He has chaired the Kent Economic Forum, Kent Business Expo at the county show and been closed involved in many economic initiatives.

He said his time with Brachers had been "challenging but very rewarding". He had not yet decided about "continued service on the regional, county and more local organisations which I have enjoyed for many years".