A popular solicitor who practised in Stourbridge for 35 years has died after a long battle with cancer, aged 59.

Peter Dorr, a partner of Wall James Chappell, was described as “well-respected” and “a gentleman” by his colleagues.

Racing car enthusiast Mr Dorr, of Pedmore, had been told he only had six months to live in January 2008 but continued to fight the disease. He leaves his wife Sue and two sons James and Adrian, who both attended Old Swinford Hospital School in Stourbridge.

Mr Dorr was born in Cambridge and moved to Stourbridge as a young boy.

The son of a painter and decorator, he decided to enter the legal profession and qualified in June 1975 with Stourbridge-based solicitors Chappell & Perry. He became a partner in the firm the following year.

Mr Dorr stayed with the company until it merged with Wall, James & Davies, also based in town, in October last year.

During his time at the company, Mr Dorr specialised in conveyancing, wills, trusts and business property.

Outside the office, he had a keen interest in racing cars, enjoyed bridge and caravanning holidays.Colleague and solicitor Philip Chapman said: “Often described as a gentleman, Peter was a well respected and popular solicitor in the community for 35 years.

“Peter will be deeply missed by not only his family but also his friends and the business associates he made throughout his time in Stourbridge and the surrounding area,” he said.

Mr Dorr died on February 20.

His funeral will take place on March 3 at St Mary’s Church in Oldswinford at 2.45pm.

The offices of Wall James Chappell, in Hagley Road, will be closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.