A TORY stalwart who dedicated her life to creating a better Burnley has died at the age of 78.

Enid Tate, a former magistrate and Mayor of Burnley in 1997/98, was respected by the town for being a straight-talking woman.

She was the widow of steeplejack Maurice Tate, who died at their home in Todmorden Road, Burnley, in 2001.

The former Rosehill ward councillor remained a Habergham Eaves parish councillor until she was developed a kidney infection four months ago.

Pat Jones, a lifelong friend, who lives in Hapton, said: "Enid was not a woman to mince her words. She called a spade a spade and would always speak her mind.

"Some people didn't like her for that but at the same time she also won a lot of respect from people. She will be sadly missed by a lot of people in Burnley as Enid really was somebody who was able to make a difference."

Peter Doyle, leader of the Tory party in Burnley, and chairman of the town's Conservative Association, said: "Enid was such a well respected and forceful figure that she'll be sadly missed."

Enid died at the Royal Preston Hospital yesterday morning.

A service will take place at Burnley Crematorium on Thursday at 11.30am.