Judge Alan Booth has retired from his career in the Family Courts in Blackburn.
Blackburn with Darwen Council held a farewell reception for the senior lawyer to put on record its thanks for his service.
Since 2009, His Honour Judge Booth has been a High Court Judge sitting in the Family Court in Blackburn and the Family Division of the High Court.
During this time he has heard many public law children cases, including complex child abuse and adoption cases.
Prior to this, he worked as a barrister in London and Manchester for more than 30 years.
Although retiring from his full-time role, His Honour Judge Booth will continue to sit part-time as a Deputy High Court Judge hearing family finance cases, and as a Family Law Arbitrator.
At the event at Blackburn Town Hall, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Brian Taylor presented Judge Booth with a plaque bearing the authority’s crest in recognition of his service.
Cllr Taylor said: “I am full of respect for a gentleman who has dedicated over 40 years of his working life to family law.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank Judge Booth for his service to our borough.”
Asad Laher, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s deputy legal director, said: “His Honour Judge Booth has been a consistent and reliable member of our local family justice system for many years.
“His fair and empathetic approach to the often difficult circumstances in which our children and families find themselves has undoubtedly made their experience of the family court easier to bear.
“We have been honoured to have His Honour Judge Booth on our circuit and he will be greatly missed.”