A well-known face in Norfolk's business community is poised to retire from a regional law firm, as he takes up a historic role.

Andrew Barnes was one of the founding partners of Howes Percival's Norwich office and he will now leave the firm after 28 years to be master of the Great Hospital in Norwich.

Originally, Mr Barnes headed up the Howes Percival commercial litigation team, before becoming managing partner for the East and a member of the firm's national board.

Mr Barnes is also a trustee of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, of Priscilla Bacon Norfolk Hospice Care and of Norfolk and Norwich Festival, a governor of City College Norwich and a director of the Thursford Collection.

Mr Barnes said: 'Through the role I have had the pleasure to work with so many great Norfolk and Norwich organisations and I am keen to continue and extend those associations in my retirement.

'I've always enjoyed trying to give something back and I'm hoping that I can focus on that even more now.

'I feel very humble to be taking on the role of master at the Great Hospital. It is a very fine Norfolk institution and one we are and should be extremely proud of.'

Mr Barnes will be taking up a new role in the city as the 66th master of the Great Hospital, in Bishopgate.

Founded in 1249, the Great Hospital is a registered charity and today it provides sheltered housing and care for over 100 Norwich residents.

During his time with Howes Percival, Mr Barnes has helped guide its growth, from leading the team that won government contracts in 1996, to helping oversee the investment and expansion programme rolled out by the firm in the last three years.

Mr Barnes said: 'I am incredibly proud of my time at Howes Percival and have worked with so many amazing people over the years.'

Tessa Haskey, Howes Percival's chairman said: 'Andrew has always been a lawyer with a national reputation but a local heart, so it is Norfolk's gain that he can now focus even more on local causes he is passionate about.

'I've had the pleasure of working with Andrew for close to 20 years and I know he will be very much in demand.'