ONE of the region’s leading Liberal Democrat politicians is to write a memorial book after his wife lost her battle with cancer.

Frances Foote Wood, the wife of the former Wear Valley District Council leader Chris, lost her 18-month battle with the disease on Thursday, May 30.

Born in Mitcham, south London, the 68-year-old left school with no qualifications but went on to become a teacher, regional secretary for what was then called the Liberal Party and worked at the Ministry of Justice, Passport Office and Serious Fraud Office.

The couple met in 1972 and she moved to Bishop Auckland in 1973. They married four years later. She began teaching in the region in Stockton before moving to Woodhouse Close Junior School and Cockton Hill Infants School, both in Bishop Auckland.

She gave up her job to take up full time unpaid voluntary work for the Liberal Party. It was for this role that she was later rewarded with an OBE

Mr Foote Wood, who will publish the book Memories of Frances free to anyone who requests it, said: “Frances was loved by everybody and I think she was such a lovely person. We were completely different in personality and background but we made a fantastic team.

“She was my agent for many years. She was a terrific organiser and she covered all the bases. Nothing would be left to chance.”

Mr Foote Wood, 72, said he was proud of her achievements in helping save a Bishop Auckland landmark in 1993.

“She organised the petition to save Bishop Auckland Town Hall, which had 10,000 signatures,” he said. “It would have been lost but for the campaign as it was boarded up as a dangerous.

“She did a remarkable job and one of the people who was at the centre of the campaign.”

He added: “The last 18 months have been difficult but she never complained once. She was very philosophical about it.

“She know she didn’t have long to live but she was more concerned about making sure I would be alright.”

Her funeral will take place at Croydon Cemetery on Thursday, June 13, at 1.45pm. Flowers or donations to cancer charities welcome.

*For inclusion in the book Memories of Frances, send recollections to 'Frances', 465 Commonside East, Mitcham, CR4 1HJ or email footewood@btconnect.com.