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A stalwart of the Midlands legal sector who has served clients for half a century has been recognised at the 2017 Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards.

Chris Owen, the was given a lifetime achievement award at last night's ceremony at the International Convention Centre.

The son of a policeman, Mr Owen started his career in 1968 as a clerk at a firm in Leicester, later holding a number of senior positions at barristers' chambers in London and Birmingham, including 7 Bedford Row and St Philips Chambers.

He was a member of the Bar's equality and diversity committee and its pro bono unit and also served on Birmingham Law Society's council, acting as chairman for four years.

The society's current president John Hughes said: "There is no one more deserving of this accolade than Chris.

"Widely regarded in the profession as a 'legend' and the best connected person in the law, throughout his career he has worked tirelessly to promote Birmingham as a centre for legal excellence and it is only fitting that his efforts are recognised in this way."

The annual awards have been held since 2002 and recognise the achievements of those working in the legal profession across the West Midlands.

The other winners from the 2017 ceremony were