THE legacy of a retiring Bolton judge will live on in a new law court built to train the next generation of legal eagles.

His Hon Judge William Morris had two honours bestowed on him from the University of Bolton in recognition of his “outstanding service to the people of Bolton and the legal profession” on the day of his retirement.

The new £100,000 moot court developed within the university’s Senate House, has been dedicated to him.

He was one of three judges who were the first to enter the new court in a special opening ceremony.

The Honourable Mr Justice, Sir Ernest Ryder QC, High Court Judge and presiding Judge for the North Circuit, opened the courtroom.

It will be used by students studying law to develop and improve their legal and advocacy skills. Students study on the Law LLB (Hons) degree, both full-time and part-time. The moot court, where students take part in simulated court proceedings, boasts the latest in technology, filming students from several fixed points in the room and giving them in-court facilities to play back their advocacy performances, reviewing and honing their professional skills as they develop.

The Honourable Mr Justice, Sir Ernest Ryder QC said: “This is a fantastic facility — better than any court that I sit in anywhere in the country.

“Both William and I were born in Bolton and we recognise and take great pleasure in seeing this fine institution growing on our doorstep.”

Judge Morris has also been appointed an Honorary Professor of the University on his retirement.

He said: “This is a magnificent moot court. To have it dedicated to me, and to be made an honorary professor — how magnificent.”

Also attending was His Hon Judge Timothy Clayson.

Baroness Patricia Morris Chancellor of the University of Bolton, who is the wife of Judge Morris, along with Dr George Holmes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton attended, as did senior academic staff and representatives from Bolton’s law society