Dog gets place of honour at courtroom send-off for judge

One of the most famous High Court judges in England and Wales has retired - and her pet dog took pride of place in courtroom tribute.

Senior members of the judiciary paid tribute to Mrs Justice Mary Hogg at a ceremony in courtroom number four at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday - as her Norfolk Terrier Mr Chough sat next to court clerk.

Mrs Justice Hogg, 69, is stepping down after spending more than 20 years as a judge in the Family Division of the High Court.

She is a member of one of Britain's most famous legal families and one of the longest-serving High Court judges in England and Wales.

Her father and grandfather, both titled Lord Hailsham, served as Lord Chancellor. Her brother is former Conservative minister Douglas Hogg.

Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court - and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales - led tributes to Mrs Justice Hogg.

He also said Mrs Justice Hogg had been known for her ''canine companions''.