A RESPECTED Aberystwyth-educated barrister and politician who made his home in Llanidloes has been added to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

The late Lord Emlyn Hooson is among 222 people who died in 2012, and had influenced British life, to have been added to the tome this year.

Described by friends and peers as “a great servant to the people of Montgomeryshire”, Lord Hooson - who died in February 2012 aged 86 following a long illness - served as MP for 17 years.

Lord Hooson, who also served as a QC and judge, represented child killer Ian Brady during the Moors murders trial in 1966.

Up until 2010, he regularly attended the House of Lords, commuting to London from his home in Llanidloes. His funeral was held in Llanidloes, with hundreds turning out to pay their respects.

Llanidloes councillor, Gareth Morgan, a close friend of Lord Hooson for over 50 years, said he’s served the people of Montgomeryshire with “enormous integrity, distinction and commitment”.

“I was closely involved with him in political and legal life for a long time and I can unquestionably say he was one of the most distinguished and able MPs this area has ever had,” said Cllr Morgan.

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