LAW firm Machins Solicitors has announced the death of its managing partner Mark Pelopida.

Mr Pelopida pictured, 57, died earlier this month after a short illness. Kathryn Ainsworth, head of Machins’ family department and head of legal practice, has taken over as managing partner on an interim basis.

She said: “We are devastated to announce the news of Mark’s death.  He was an inspirational leader, a great colleague and a friend to us all. He will be sadly missed across the business and within the local community as a whole”

Machins has opened a book of condolences at its offices in Luton and Berkhamsted. It can also be accessed online at https://www.machins.co.uk/news/online-condolences/.

Mr Pelopida qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and joined Machins in 1996. As well as being the firm’s managing partner, he also headed its company commercial team.