ONE of the best known faces in Herefordshire legal circles has died.

Robert Davies worked for T A Matthews Solicitors in Hereford city centre for more than 40 years.

He began work with the practice, where his late father Howell Davies was a partner, after leaving Hereford Cathedral School.

During nearly half a century in the legal profession Robert Davies, who lived off Aylestone Hill, specialised in conveyancing.

"He was a very kind and decent man who is known to many people in the county," said Joan Watkins, his secretary since 1970.

"Robert was devoted to his work and would often be at his desk until eight o'clock in the evening. It is only recently that he took more time off and started to go on holiday both in this country and overseas.

"Although he was something of a workaholic, Robert had an interest in cars and had a Rolls Royce and a Jaguar that gave him particular pride."

She said he had become unwell last Christmas and in the spring had been diagnosed as suffering from leukaemia. He had been treated with chemotherapy but had deteriorated and died in Hereford County Hospital last Friday .

He was also remembered by David Jeffrey, who first met Robert 60 years ago on their first day at Hereford Cathedral Preparatory School.

"We remained friends all our lives. Robert was a gentleman who was always kind and considerate. He was a very private person who had few interests outside his work but he was keen on his garden.

"Robert was an only child and was very close to his mother and father. Although they have both been dead for many years I am not sure he entirely got over their passing."

Mr Davies was aged 63, he never married and had no close surviving family.