BATTLING Blackburn bomber pilot turned politician Jim Mason has received a top award from the Labour Party, personally signed by Tony Blair.

The former Labour Group leader on Lancashire County Council, and Enterprise chairman, got his honour for more than 60 years' devoted service to socialism.

Although he already has a CBE, and been a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, the 78-year-old treasures his Labour gong as the best.

He said: "This is a marvellous award. I'm Labour through and through.

"My life in politics has been full of controversy, but it's been well worth it. It's about trying to help people.''

Mr Mason -- born in Audley, who then lived in Brownhill and Lower Billinge, before moving to Silverdale in Lunesdale 13 years ago -- became a Labour Party member in 1939 while serving in the RAF.

Just 12 months later he was called into active political service when his father Robinson Mason -- chairman of Blackburn Trades Council -- called him back to the town to help ensure that a young Barbara Castle was chosen as candidate for the constituency.

As he recalls: "I had to go to the Commanding Officer to get permission to go back with my wife Frances and vote for Barbara.

"He asked why I was going. I told him and, as it was a Parliamentary procedure, he had to say 'yes'.

"The CO then asked how I was going to vote. I said 'Labour' and he asked 'Why?'

"I said because I believed in it and he signed the papers and said 'Good Luck'.

"When you see what Barbara achieved, it was a good decision to go back.''

Mr Mason got his Merit Award at the Blackpool Labour Conference after serving in many capacities in the Labour Party and Co-operative movement.

He is a former chairman of Blackburn Constituency Labour Party, and chaired the North-West Regional Party Executive.

Mr Mason represented Blackburn on Lancashire County Council.

He was a key figure in the setting up of Lancashire Enterprises, later Enterprise plc, where the county spent, and raised, cash to promote local businesses and create jobs.

Mr Mason -- who paid tribute to his wife's help in allowing him to pursue his political career -- has also served as president of Blackburn Co-operative Society and chairman of the National Co-operative Wholesale Society.

As he admired his framed certificate, he said: "I've always been a battler for Labour. It's nice to get this award when we're into the second term of a Labour government with a big majority.''

He and Frances have two sons, John and Timothy, who work in the youth service.