AS the Yorkshire Law Society celebrates its 230th anniversary York solicitor Peter Kay has taken the role as president in the milestone year.

A director at York law firm Ware & Kay Solicitors in Peasholme Green, with offices in Wetherby and Malton also, Mr Kay is the sixth member of his family to lead the society and represent the region's legal profession.

Mr Kay was born in York and educated at Bootham School, York. He qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and practised in London for four years in a specialist commercial shipping practice.

He travelled extensively during this period on business, and after a year returned to York in 1984.

In 1985 he became a partner in the solicitors firm (now) Ware & Kay Solicitors Ltd. He now specialises in corporate and commercial work but his experience also includes banking work on the panel of two commercial lenders, commercial property leasing, commercial and residential property management; and employment law.

Mr Kay is also trustee of a number of private trusts including on-going trusts actively involved in commercial property, residential property development, arable farming and intensive livestock rearing.

Mr Kay has been involved in the business community for many years with roles including: Member of the Private Sector Members Group of the former Yorkshire Tourist Board; Director of York City Centre Partnership Limited; Director of the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2009; President of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce 2006 to 2008; Welcome to Yorkshire Tourism Ambassador; Chair of York Economic Partnership 2008 to 2012; Director of York Business Week C.I.C.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"My second choice would have been to have gone to sea! I always liked boats and the water which is why I became a shipping lawyer originally."

Greatest achievement?

"My four children."

What makes you most angry?

"I rarely get angry but can become frustrated by narrow-mindedness."

Biggest mistake?

"Not going skiing until I was 30."

What do you need to make life complete?

"I am tempted to say death! But seriously I consider myself to be very fortunate with the family and friends that I have. Each day that they and I remain healthy makes my life complete."

Why do you make a difference?

"I like to think that I can make things happen. It’s an essential part of my job."

Epitaph

"No longer acrophobic"