Jim Beresford and colleague Douglas Smith, of Doncaster-based Beresfords Solicitors, denied swindling millions from sick miners, and misleading them so that they could take cuts from their compensation pay-outs.

Mr Beresford, 58, is said to be Britain's highest earning solicitor, and in 2006, he earned almost £17 million.

This afternoon the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal concluded that the solicitors kept money that was intended to go directly to the miners and their families.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann first called for the solicitors to be struck off three years ago, and has said that he is 'delighted' with the outcome.

"Beresfords represent all that is wrong with today's money driven professional classes," said Mr Mann.

"Jim Beresford is a modern day King Midas, believing that everything he touched would turn to gold, but ending up as the man who would not listen."

"Even now Beresfords have failed to pay back many miners who they duped. I trust that cheques with compensation will be in the post by Monday"

Mr Mann called on immediate action to repay all money 'taken from retired miners, and miners' widows, and a speeding up of disciplinary action against other solicitors involved in this scandal.

"Nobody should use these pariahs, who bring the reputation of their profession into total disrepute. Today is the day the decent solicitors struck back to restore their reputation."

"I call on all ex-miners to come forward immediately and get their money back"

A spokesman for Beresfords Solicitors said: "We are very disappointed at the findings of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal against two former Partners of Beresfords Solicitors LLP. Jim Beresford and Doug Smith continue to strenuously deny all the allegations which relate to matters which arose many years ago. We understand that it is their intention to appeal this decision."

"We would like to reassure all of our clients that the firm will continue to act in the best interests of our clients."