Distinguished legal figure Lord Bingham dies aged 76

Tributes were paid yesterday following the death of Lord Bingham, one of the UK's most distinguished legal minds.

The former senior law lord was made a Knight of the Garter in 2005 - reportedly the first judge to be granted the honour.

He died aged 76 at his home in Wales at the weeeknd after suffering from cancer.

Lord Bingham held three of the top legal posts in the country - Master of the Rolls from 1992-1996, Lord Chief Justice from 1996-2000 and Senior Law Lord from 2000-08.

Regarded as the country's most eminent judge, he argued after his retirement in 2008 that Britain broke international law by invading Iraq. Professor Robert McCorquodale, director of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, said: "He will be remembered as an exceptional man with a brilliant mind. He was witty and had an extraordinary legal career.He was also someone with insight, warmth and kindness."