THE boss of Bolton-based AFG Law marked her retirement with a glitzy staff party.

Criminal defence solicitor Isobel Gray is stepping down as managing director of the firm on Thursday.

Staff finished early to ensure they could raise a glass to her 30 years of service at the Mawdsley Street-based firm.

Anita Boardman and Greg French will take over as the company's new managing directors.

Since joining AFG Law, formerly Adam F Greenhalgh, in 1986, Isobel has grown and developed with the firm.

She started as a newly qualified litigation lawyer and specialised in criminal defence.

Outside of work, she married Manchester-based sports and entertainment lawyer Rudi Kidd and has two grown up sons.

She became a partner at the firm in 1990, aged 32, and was appointed managing partner in 2006.

She was also head of the police station and magistrates division of the criminal department and completed a five-year stint as complaints partner during her three decades at the company.

Isobel said: "We have achieved much success over the past 10 years, not least steady growth at a time when other law firms were failing.

"There were many obstacles and challenges along the way but we overcame them all. We have held the prestigious Lexcel accreditation for many years now.

"In addition, at the end of 2015 AFG Law was awarded Investors in People Gold. This was one of my proudest moments at AFG Law. The people at AFG Law are a precious resource.

"And on a personal level, as criminal defence has been my passion, I am very proud of my 30 years work representing the weak, vulnerable and accused.

"That said now it is a good time for me to step down and hand the business over to Anita and Greg. They have been developed for this moment and are very capable. I have the utmost confidence in all the directors to take AFG Law forward.

"After that I intend to enjoy relaxing in my retirement after a very busy and challenging career."

New managing director Anita Boardman said: “Greg and I have a big role to fill. We will miss Isobel as she has been key in developing us for taking over the business. It has been great to work alongside her while we have taken on more of the overall management responsibility this year.”

Greg French added: "The whole firm wishes Isobel the very best for her retirement. She has many exciting plans and we know she won’t be a stranger when she is back in the UK. Anita and I are excited for the future and continuing to take AFG LAW from strength to strength."