GEORGE Bracher, a retired Maidstone lawyer and a non-executive director of the Kent Messenger Group, has died suddenly at the age of 70.

Mr Bracher was a well-known legal figure throughout Kent and joined the KM Group board in October, 1998.

Mr Bracher followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father when he joined the Maidstone-based firm of solicitors bearing his family name after leaving Oxford University in 1955.

A past president and treasurer of the Kent Law Society, Mr Bracher was a senior partner of the firm for 11 years during the 1980s and 1990s

During his time with the firm he lived in Wateringbury and built up an enormous client following. He retired in April 1998.

Geoffrey Dearing, the present managing partner of Brachers Solicitors, said: "It is a great shock to all of us. We very fondly remember George who was a lawyer of great distinction.

"He was a pillar of this firm during his time and we enjoyed great growth which we have tried to continue ever since. George was a very influential person in Kent and within legal circles. He will be greatly missed by all of us."

Mr Bracher, who lived at Egerton, near Ashford, leaves a widow, Sarah, and three children.