AN ERA has ended with the passing of the managing partner's baton at Brachers, the growing Maidstone-based law firm.

Geoffrey Dearing handed on the baton to John Sheath during a ceremony at the Finchcocks museum of keyboard instruments near Goudhurst.

More than 100 guests attended the champagne tribute to Mr Dearing who has stepped down after nearly 40 years with the firm. Two recitals on period instruments were performed for the guests.

Mr Dearing insisted he was not retiring and would continue to work for Brachers on an occasional basis.

He would also be undertaking other business roles but hoped to find more time to indulge his passions for golf and navigating rally cars.

He said he was pleased to be passing the baton to Mr Sheath, a partner at Brachers since 1983.

Mr Sheath said: "Some might say Geoffrey Dearing is a difficult act to follow but I think not.

"The ground has been well prepared; we have a long batting list, some fresh opening bowlers and some young star performers."