WARM tributes have been paid to one of Nailsworth's best known and popular solicitors who has passed away aged 68.

Caroline James, a mum of two, worked at AE Smith & Son, now WSP Solicitors, for 36 years and was a well-known figure in Nailsworth.

Known for her love of animals, especially dogs, hard-working nature and sense of humour, she retired in 2010 after which she remained a pillar of the community.

Simon James, who worked with Caroline from 1980 until 2010, said: "As a lawyer she was the kind those in the profession should aspire to be, razor sharp, error free and hard working.

"To work with she was loyal, dependable, down to earth, warm and humorous.

"My fellow former partners in A E Smith and Son are unified in feeling privileged to have known and worked with her.

"Caroline, without understatement, was great, in every sense of the word."

Caroline was born in Kuanton, Malaya and moved back to England in 1951 where she grew up in Surrey with her two sisters, Celia and Anne.

She studied law at the London School of Economics and graduated with honours.

She was married to Ashley James in 1970 and they had two children, Richard and Elisabeth.

When she started work at A E Smith and Son she was one of the few female solicitors in the area.

She was well-known in Nailsworth as she helped many of the shops and businesses with legal matters.

Friends Peter Wall said: "Caroline was a very dear friend and was my solicitor for all her time with AE Smith and before.

"She was everything her partners said she was and she remained a wise and most trusted advisor for the rest of her life.

"Caroline will be hugely missed - for my wife and I it is a blessing that we remain close to all her wonderful family, whose love and support in the last months has been an example to us all."

Caroline was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago but did not let it stop her following her favourite pursuits including training her many dogs with the South Cotswold Dog Training Club, gardening and travelling.

Paying tribute, her daughter Liz said: "She didn’t for one minute let the disease defeat her.

"She will remain an inspiration to us all on how to manage with such an horrific ordeal."

She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, September 22.

A service to celebrate Caroline's life and legacy will be held at St. George's Parish Church, Nailsworth, on Friday (October 7) at 2.30pm.

Everyone is invited to wear colour.

The family ask that no flowers are sent, and instead donations can be made to Sue Ryder Care (Leckhampton Hospice) or Cancer Research UK via Fred Stevens Funeral Directors.