A COURTROOM legend who was brought up in Blackpool has decided to hang up his wig and robes after a legal career lasting 47 years.

George Carman QC, 70, is retiring on health grounds, requiring medical treatment for what he would only refer to as "a little local difficulty".

He was born in Blackpool in 1929 and attended what was at the time St Joseph's Catholic Boys Grammar School on Newton Drive -- the school was knocked down ten years ago.

His early career aim of a priesthood was abandoned in favour of what became an illustrious legal career after graduating with first class honours from Balliol College in Oxford in 1952. He became one of the most feared libel lawyers in his field and had a number of high profile victories. Notable libel cases include successfully defending former Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, who was accused of conspiracy to murder gay male model Norman Scott.

Another famous victory was his defence of The Sun newspaper and its infamous story about ex-Eastenders actress Gillian Taylforth and an incident in a Range Rover parked on the hard shoulder of the motorway, while his most recent success was in the libel case involving Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed and Neil Hamilton, when he defended Al Fayed.

Mr Carman's wit and clever delivery coupled with his penchant for wearing bright red socks in court earned him the nicknames "Killer", "Gorgeous George" and "The Great Defender".

Mr Carman has announced his plans to write a book of memoirs and said he was sad to be leaving the Bar after such a lengthy and fulfilling career.