THE wife of a former Burnley MP has died after a long illness.

Sheila Pike, wife of the former Burnley MP Peter Pike, died aged 83 at her home on the morning of November 14.

Mrs Pike, who was a Labour Party member for more than 60 years, had been ill for two years.

The Burnley FC fan, who first went to see the team play Everton in the FA Cup in 1962, married Mr Pike in December the same year and moved to the town in 1963.

On moving to Burnley she worked at Lucas, Hargher Clough and later as a punch card operator in the office of the Prestige Group.

Mrs Pike became an active member of St Peter’s Church when she was appointed governor of the church school and for a period chair of the governors.

Following her time as chair of governors at St Peter’s Church, she became a governor of Burnley College and for a spell vice chairman and served on the Walshaw High School governors

She also served on the Mayoress’s committee supporting several Mayors of Burney during their year of office

Mr Pike said: “She was a great wife and mother and was also a great Labour supporter.

“Sheila was a woman of strong views and wanted to see a better Burnley, a better Britain and a better world. These were the things she really wanted.

“Sheila has also been very active in a number of things locally in the last few years.

“Despite her health she always managed to smile and look at things on a positive side.”

Mark Townsend, leader of Burnley Council, had known Mrs Pike since he was elected he was first elected as a councillor in 2004.

Mr Townsend said: “Sheila was really passionate about Labour and a really good supporter of local charities and causes around the town.

“Everybody in the party will sadly miss her.

“She really cared about the people she represented as a member of the party.

“I would also like to pay tribute to how she supported Peter throughout his career and his life.

“She will be missed.”

Mrs Pike had received care at home from Key2support and in the last few days she had also received night care from Hospice Care at Home.

Her family is also very grateful to Revd Patrick Senior and Revd John McGrath from St Peter’s for their help and support.

Her funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church next Monday at 10.30am.

The service will be followed by a cremation at Burnley Crematorium then a reception at Burnley FC’s Dr Iven Suite.