HUNDREDS of mourners filed through the streets of Preston last week to say a fond farewell to the town's MP Audrey Wise.

Church and civic dignitaries led a procession from the town's Guild Hall followed by councillors dressed in their ceremonial robes, and other prominent people.

A musical accompaniment from the Red Rose brass band joined the cortege to Preston Parish Church, in Church Street, for the funeral service.

Her coffin, decked with dozens of red roses, was taken into the packed church where family and friends celebrated her life with poignant tributes led by Audrey's daughter, Valerie Wise. Other words of sympathy came from friend and fellow socialist Dennis Skinner, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone and family GP Dr Madeline Sharp, a fellow Vietnam War campaigner in the 1960s, pictured here in the procession to the church.

Later, Audrey's husband John, along with children Valerie and Ian, were joined by close family and friends for a private service at Preston Crematorium.

Mrs Wise, 68, died earlier this month after a brave fight against cancer following the removal of a brain tumour.

Her political career began in 1953 when she was elected as a councillor for Coventry. As a leading member of the Union Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers union (USDAW) Audrey fought for equal opportunities for disadvantaged women shop workers.

After being elected as Preston's MP in 1987 she continued to fight for the rights of pensioners, the sick and the disabled, women and children.