A CHANGING of the guard at Newport's largest law firm will see senior partner Bill Morris step down and be replaced by head of criminal practice Mike Sage.

Mr Morris was co-founder of Harding Evans and during the last 30 years has helped it grow into a regional powerhouse employing around 120 people.

In 2004 it won the accolade of Welsh law firm of the year.

He said: "My congratulations go to Mike on his appointment. I hope he enjoys the role as much as I have. And I would like to thank all our staff for helping to make Harding Evans the highly-regarded firm it is today."

Mr Morris is originally from Wrexham but moved to Newport in 1962 to play for the town's rugby team and court his future wife Kay from Rhiwderin. In 1965 he became a Welsh international, making his debut at Murrayfield.

At Harding Evans he become a specialist in commercial property law and planning.

Mr Sage is a Newportonian who grew up in Bassaleg and Caerleon.

After articling himself to a Newport solictor, Mr Sage went to London to work at the solicitors' office in New Scotland Yard.

In 1987 he returned to Newport and the criminal practice at Harding Evans.

The practice has been recommended in several guides to the UK legal profession. The 2005 Chamber Guide describes it as "Newport's leading criminal practice".

Mr Sage said: "It's a privilege to take over the running of a firm which is in such good shape.

"My plan is simply to build upon the excellent foundations laid by Bill Morris and his predecessor Roly Arthur.

"We all want to wish Bill a very happy retirement."

Mr Sage said he could not rule out an office move for the company which has now utilised all the space available to it at Queen's Chambers in North Street, the former offices of Magor and St Mellons rural council.

Mr Sage lives in Usk with his wife and daughter. He's a keen golfer and a regular at course-based fundraising events.

See: Looking back on firm's history