One of the UK’s best legal minds has become Bradford’s new Honorary Recorder today.

Pomp and circumstance was the order of the day when His Honour Judge James Stewart QC was officially welcomed to the post at a civic ceremony at City Hall.

Some 100 dignitaries from politics, law and medicine took their seats in the chamber for the occasion.

As Honorary Recorder, Bradford-born Judge Stewart will work with the Council’s lawyers and represent the Court at civic functions.

Judge Stewart’s father Henry Hamilton Stewart, who was a surgeon at Bradford Royal Infirmary devising operations used throughout the world, was made a Freeman of the City in 1970 in recognition of his medical services to the city.

And the Judge’s late mother Edna was a Justice of the Peace in the city for 25 years, his grandfather and uncle were both GPs in Thornton.

During the ceremony Judge Stewart spoke of his pride at taking on the privileged role and paid a poignant tribute to others who would also have been proud of him – including his late wife, Helen, and late daughter, Alex, who had been a barrister.

His wife of four years, Deborah, and other daughter, Georgina, were there with him to enjoy the day. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor John Godward, said he was “one of the UK’s top legal minds.”

Judge Stewart has become resident judge at Bradford Crown Court, replacing Judge Stephen Gullick who held the office of Honorary Recorder for seven years until this summer.

Judge Stewart, who gave an entertaining speech, add-ressed the Lord Mayor and said: “I am so proud your councillors honoured me in this way.”