FORMER Labour MP for Burnley Peter Pike has died at the age of 84, his family has announced.

Mr Pike served as MP for Burnley from 1983 to 2005 after joining the Labour Party in 1956.

In 2002, he announced his intention to retire as an MP at the next general election and was succeeded by Kitty Ussher.

In June 2015, he was re-elected as chairman of Burnley Constituency Labour Party.

The Burnley FC fan stepped down from this role in January 2016, citing as his reason that the party needs a younger and much more active chair.

A hard-working constituency MP, he held several positions at Westminster including membership of Select Committees, groups of MPs which look at particular issues.

Lord Wajid Khan of Burnley said: "Devastated and saddened at the loss of a dear friend Peter Pike. He was one of the finest public servants Burnley has had. My condolences to the whole family. RIP Peter."

Burnley Council leader Afrasiab Anwar said: "Such sad news. A good friend and great supporter of Burnley. It will be a huge loss."

A fervent supporters of the charity Emmaus UK, he this year received a 30th Anniversary Founders’ Medal for his significant voluntary service.

His role in the Anti-Apartheid Movement was praised in Parliament in 2013 during tributes to former South African president Nelson Mandela.

MPs recalled their memories of Mandela during the debate, and Alistair Burt and Simon Hughes both spoke about Mr Pike’s involvement in the movement.

Mr Burt said: “I regret that I did so little for the struggle here in the United Kingdom, but my friend Peter Pike, with 26 years in the Anti-Apartheid Movement, before he even set foot in South Africa, deserves to have his voice heard today.

“I wanted Peter Pike’s words—the voice of a true, authentic anti-apartheid supporter—to be heard in this house today.”

Mr Pike's daughters, Carol and Jane, announced their father's death in hospital this morning.