THE widow of a Labour stalwart who died last week has paid tribute to her husband, describing him as a 'real fighter'.

Burnley MP Peter Pike has also joined the tributes to ex-councillor and Labour stalwart Henry McCormack, who died at his Wren Street home, aged 68, after a long battle with liver cancer.

His wife of 45 years, Margaret McCormack, told today how the lifelong Celtic fan had battled cancer with the same spirit that kept him out on the streets campaigning.

She said: "He battled the cancer for years and he fought it hard, though he deteriorated after the New Year. He was a real fighter."

Henry, who had travelled the world with the RAF for 16 years as a young man, was a lifelong member of the Labour Party and a father of three, with three grandchildren.

He also did voluntary work for homeless charity Shelter, was a governor at two local schools, and helped run a football team for youngsters at the West End youth club.

In 1983 he was elected Labour representative for the Lanehead ward, and he later went on to be a councillor for Coal Clough.

Margaret remembered: "He was always out doing something. He couldn't sit still.

"He was never a mellow person until the last few years. He was very much an old Labour man and I remember him walking out of meetings at the town hall over the poll tax.

"He was a bit disillusioned with the present Labour leaders, but he didn't stop supporting them and was always there to help out.

"In his spare time he was a Celtic season ticket holder and would always take the kids to see Burnley too. We are a family of football fans.

"We even had satellite television installed when he was ill so that he didn't miss the game."

Burnley MP Peter Pike also paid tribute to Henry. He said: "Henry will be sadly missed by the Burnley Labour Pary.

"He was a traditional Labour man who worked hard for those who needed his help.

"He was proud to serve as a Labour councillor for many years and never strayed from his old commitment to old Labour values and working for the traditional working class."

A Requiem Mass was held at St Teresa's Church before his cremation at Burnley Crematorium on Wednesday.