DARWEN and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson said she was "chuffed" to be name-checked in Prime Minister Tony Blair's, final speech to the Labour Party conference.

The premier commended Mrs Anderson for her loyalty despite her sacking as a Government minister in 2001.

She was one of just handful of people namechecked in the speech alongside the likes of Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown.

Mrs Anderson had been a Government whip and minister for tourism, leisure and culture. During her time in Government she introduced the popular free TV licences for over 75s.

Mr Blair told delegates in Manchester: "People like Janet Anderson, George Howarth, Mike Hall. Good ministers, but I asked them to make way.

"They did. Without a word of bitterness.

"They never forgot their principles when in office; and they never discovered them when they left office.

"This is the party I am proud to lead."

Mrs Anderson said: "I was shocked but dead chuffed."

She said she had remained loyal despite her transfer out of Government because she was proud her party and its record.