AN architect who followed his father into the profession is hanging up his t-square after nearly 50 years.

Timothy Clist began training as an architect in 1956, qualifying seven years later, and soon after joined his father Hubert's practice in the town.

Hubert - who held the Military Cross for bravery, awarded while serving in France during the First World War - had set up his own practice in 1951, after marrying Anne Brinton, daughter of carpet manufacturer Reginald.

After his father retired in 1970, Timothy took on a former student friend Michael John as partner.

In 1978 Hubert was tragically killed in a fire at the family home, at which time his son decided to go it alone.

Timothy's commissions included major industrial developments for the family carpet firm Brinton and a series of restoration projects on listed historic buildings in the area.

He has a unique sporting accolade to his name - scoring the first try in 1969 for the fledgling Kidderminster Carolians RFC, which he helped to found.

He also regularly enjoyed playing New Orleans jazz on the double bass for Sam Allsopp's band and also played with Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra.

His practice partner Keith Chandler will continue to run the business.

"It's the end of an era," said Mr Clist. "None of my children have followed in my footsteps so this is it. My father and I together ran up 70 years in practice," he added.