AUDREY Wise dedicated nearly 20 years serving the people of Preston.

But she first came to prominence for the Rooker/Wise amendment which forced the Callaghan government of the late 1970s to link pensions to inflation.

Her daughter Valerie said: "She was first elected as a councillor in Coventry in 1953. It's absolutely astounding to think that a 21-year-old working class woman would be elected during the 1950s."

As a leading member of USDAW (Union Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers), Audrey characteristically fought for equal opportunities for disadvantaged women shopworkers.

Councillor John Collins, chairman of Preston's constituency Labour party, described her as one of the most remarkable women of our time: "In an unfashionable tribute, but one I know Audrey would have relished, I would call her a tireless fighter for genuine socialism. We shall not see her likes again."

As the MP for Preston, Audrey continued to fight for the rights of pensioners, the sick and the disabled, women and children. South Ribble MP David Borrow, said: "I am shocked and saddened at the news and I know how hard she worked for individual constituents in Preston and I know from working with her in Parliament how hard she has fought on issues such as single parent families and childrens' health."

Councillor Bill Chadwick, leader of the local Liberal Democrats, who stood against Audrey in the 1992 and 1997 General Election, said: "She was a robust, well informed and principled opponent who never deviated from her socialist principles. She brought colour, clarity and compassion to the Preston political scene and will be sadly missed."

Valerie added: "I think she was a uniquely special person. Politics was paramount in her life but so was her family. She had a working class, socialist background. Her grandparents were early members of the Labour party.

Audrey and husband John would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary next year.

Pictured: Audrey Wise, with grandson Alan.