A PROMINENT Midland solicitor, who was also an expert on inland waterways, died following a canal boat accident near Bromsgrove.

Nicholas Grazebrook, aged 64, a former partner at Birmingham law firm Shakespeares, had been travelling with his wife on a narrowboat on the Birmingham-Worcester canal when the accident happened at Stoke Prior on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 20.

It is believed Mr Grazebrook may have lost his balance and fallen into the canal while opening lock gates. He was taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch but died at 11.30pm.

Mr Grazebrook, who was born at Hagley, had been head of the firm's private client department until his retirement in 1998. Since then he had remained as a consultant with the firm.

In addition to his practice in private client law, Mr Grazebrook had a keen personal interest in inland waterways and combined his canals and boating hobby with his legal practice to become a specialist in this field advising on waterway related matters.

Commenting on the tragedy Shakespeares' senior partner Tony Jones said: "Everyone within the firm who knew and worked alongside Nicholas is saddened by this tragedy.

"Nicholas was very well respected for the contribution he made to the firm and throughout the legal profession generally and, in particular, for his specialist knowledge of inland waterways. He will be greatly missed," he added.

As an owner of narrow boats, Mr Grazebrook was very involved with inland waterway activities and was a trustee of The Inland Waterways Association and chairman of its West Midlands Region, as well as an active member of many local waterway societies and trusts.

Neil Edwards, executive director of The Inland Waterways Association, said "Nicholas Grazebrook made a vital contribution to the revival and regeneration of the inland waterways in the West Midlands over a period of more than thirty-five years. As a solicitor, he helped form many waterways groups and undertook a unique role in representing waterway users' interests. His loss will be deeply felt by waterways enthusiasts across the country."

Mr Grazebrook, who lived in Wolverley, leaves a wife, three children and a step-son.