THE HEAD of an Ilkley business has been named Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year.

Simon Stell, the Managing Partner of LCF Law, was named as the winner at the 2016 Yorkshire Legal Awards ceremony in Leeds.

Run by the publishers of Leeds and Yorkshire Lawyer magazine, the awards recognise and celebrate the achievement of the region's most talented professionals.

The Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year category winner is chosen by the judging panel and announced on the night.

Judging panel Chairman Marilyn Stowe said: “Simon embodies all that is best about Yorkshire, and is unfailingly courteous and polite.

"He is great example of what every solicitor should be."

Mr Stell said: "I am honoured to receive the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year Award.

"It is a testament to the hard work and the tremendous commitment to our clients of all the partners and staff at LCF Law to receive such recognition.

"We have created a very special law firm."

More than 500 people attended the sold-out awards night which had 19 categories including Law Firm of the Year, Rising Star and Managing Partner of the Year.

As well as Ilkley LCF Law has offices in Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate and employs more than 135 people across its four branches.