John, who is a popular adviser to some of the area’s most respected companies including Thwaites brewers and Senator International, will step down at the end of September.

Following his departure, he will provide ongoing support when required for some of his long standing clients.

Mr Eatough said: “It has been a pleasure working in the legal profession in East Lancashire, and the decision to retire has been a difficult one to make.

“The area has a fantastic business community, and it is great to see so many businesses here surviving and even thriving in the recession.

“I have worked through a number of difficult economic periods and there have been countless changes in legislation affecting my work and my clients, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and I am leaving with so many happy memories.

“I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years, both clients and colleagues, for their support and friendship which I will miss greatly.”

David Hill, the firm’s head of commercial property, recently relocated to Napthens’ Blackburn office from Preston to further develop the law firm’s commercial services in East Lancashire.

Ian Leigh, chief executive of Napthens, added: “John will be a hard act to follow. He has become a household name here in the East Lancashire business community, and his knowledge of the commercial property sector is a source of great pride to the firm.

“John has done an outstanding job over the years, and on behalf of the partners and all the team I’d like to express my sincere thanks to him for all his efforts and significant contribution to the firm. We wish him all the best for his retirement.”