A leading lawyer who rose from office boy to become the partner of one of the South-East's biggest firms of solicitors has died aged 91.

George Garbutt, who was a partner at Donne Mileham and Haddock of Queen's Road, Brighton, died of pneumonia on Friday at Brighton General Hospital after a short illness.

Born on June 24, 1911, he became an office boy aged 15 at what later became Nye and Donne. It was the start of a distinguished 60-year career.

Mr Garbutt climbed the career ladder to become managing clerk. He studied in his spare time to qualify as a solicitor in 1953.

His subsequent partnership expanded when the solicitors joined with another firm to become Donne Mileham and Haddock. He retired from partnership at 65 but continued as a consultant for another ten years.

A litigation specialist, Mr Garbutt covered licensing and insurance. Butlins and the Rank Group were among his clients.

He married Caroline White in 1937 and they had three sons. They lived in Hove until her death in 1998.

An active member of the Hove Lion's Club, he later became president.

His son, John Garbutt, a solicitor in a London firm, said: "My father was a remarkable man. Not only was he an inspiration to all who knew him, he was a friendly, charming and Christian gentleman. These characteristics were the foundation of his work.

"Right to the end his iron will meant he was in good shape and his mind was razor sharp. He touched the lives of many through his work and will be greatly missed."

The funeral will take place at Downs Crematorium on Friday at 3.45pm.