THE life of a stalwart Labour Party member and dedicated community servant was celebrated at her funeral yesterday.

British Legion flag-bearers flanked the gates to St Luke's Parish Church, at Ferryhill, County Durham, as mourners arrived to honour Francis Anne Armstrong, who died on Sunday at the age of 95.

Mrs Armstrong was a member of the Labour Party for almost 75 years, having joined the League of Youth, the predecessor of the Young Socialists, when she was 16, before becoming a Labour Party member at 21.

She was a hard-working local councillor for four decades, serving on Chilton Parish, Sedgefield Rural and Sedgefield District councils and was a governor at her local primary school.

Mrs Armstrong was also a dedicated member of the Royal British Legion and held several posts within the women's section, including that of president.

Born in Great Lumley, County Durham, she was one of 15 siblings.

She and her late husband, Tony, who were married in April 1935, moved to Ferryhill Station, County Durham, where they raised children Gillian, Richard, Anthony and Patsy. They also had two grandchildren, Christopher and Sharon.

During the service, the Reverend William Tate said: "She had grace, integrity, strong will, a warm heart and whatever she turned her hand to, she did with conscientiousness.

"She has left a legacy of service to the community and groups to which she was devoted."

John Burton, agent to MP Tony Blair, paid tribute to Mrs Armstrong after the service.

He said: "We served together on Sedgefield District Council and I know that, as a councillor, she was very hard working and always happy to get out into the community and help when she could.

"She was a very supportive member of the Labour Party and Mr Blair intends to contact Mrs Armstrong's family with his sincere sympathies."