AN MP visited the grave of a local suffragette campaign leader.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry visited the grave of Martha Jane, a prominent Suffragist to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which allowed women over the age of 30 who owned property to vote for the first time.

Mr Berry said: "Last week marked the centenary of the first law giving women,or at least some of them, the vote.

"So I thought it was time I paid tribute to one of the East Lancashire campaign leaders, Martha Jane Bury of Darwen.

"Martha Jane, a prominent Suffragist, who unlike their sisters the Suffragettes, took a peaceful approach to securing the vote, is buried in Darwen Cemetery.

"She is known as The White Lady.

"I am very grateful to Local historian Tony Foster for showing me around and telling me about Martha's fight for women's rights.

"Tony is giving a talk at the Darwen Heritage Centre on Tuesday, March 13 on prominent local women, I would definitely recommend a visit to find out more about this fascinating piece of local history."