THE popular boss of QualitySolicitors Talbots Martyn Morgan has died suddenly at the age of 60, it was confirmed this morning.

Mr Morgan, director and senior partner at the firm which has offices in Dudley, passed away yesterday (Thursday) at Worcestershire Royal Hospital after falling ill on Tuesday.

The popular figure on the West Midlands law scene is believed to have suffered a stroke.

Mr Morgan’s elder brother – journalist and author Robin Morgan – took to Twitter to break the news: “My brilliant kid bro’ Martyn died suddenly today. He was a hero.”

Staff at QualitySolicitors Talbots were this morning still trying to come to terms with the news of his sudden death.

Rachel Pardoe, practice director, said: “Everyone is shocked and naturally saddened by Martyn’s sudden passing.

“He was the heartbeat of the business and wasn’t afraid to try new ideas and innovate the way we did things in what is still a very traditional sector.

“Despite his immense workload he would always make time for people and, more times than not, his larger than life character would brighten up the day with one of his trademark jokes or witty comments.”

Martyn, who was born in Stourbridge and attended the town’s King Edward VI Grammar School, qualified as a solicitor in 1977 and he was articled to the late Bryan Evers of Harward and Evers in Stourbridge.

He took over at Talbots Solicitors, as it was known, in 1991 when the practice had two offices and a handful of staff.

It was always his desire to see the practice recognised as a firm at the forefront of delivering modern legal services and exceptional customer service – and this year the company, which boasts over 190 employees based at seven offices across the Black Country and Worcestershire, marked its best-ever year in business and was hailed one of the top 20 conveyancing firms in the UK.

As well as his drive and determination to succeed in the legal business, Mr Morgan – a residential property specialist – was renowned for his sense of humour, practical jokes and his love of Aston Villa.

He was also a huge fitness fan who had completed both the London and New York marathons and taken on numerous cycling challenges including riding from London to Stourbridge in 2009, Wolverhampton to Aberdovey in 2012 and Bangkok to Phuket in 2011.

Mr Morgan was also a major fundraiser for the Chris Westwood Charity for Children with Physical Disabilities which helps youngsters across Stourbridge and surrounding areas.

One of the founding trustees, he helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the charity set up by pal Chris Westwood who said he “could hardly believe” the news of his friend’s death.

He said: “It will be a tremendous loss to the charity. He was a great friend and great supporter of what we were doing – particularly from a fundraising approach.

“He gave us a tremendous amount of help and we shall miss him greatly.”

Mr Morgan leaves a wife Mary, daughters Abby, Charli, Danielle, Hannah and son Ben.