VETERAN backbench MP Audrey Wise is described as "cheerful but a little dozy" today after under-going an investigative operation on her brain.

Audrey, 65, who has been Preston's Member of Parliament for 13 years, has been off work ill for the past few weeks and unable to attend regular debates at the House of Commons.

She is currently receiving care from staff nurses at a yet undisclosed NHS hospital and husband, John, and daughter, Valerie, are said to be at her bedside.

Mrs Wise has asked Valerie to carry on her constituency work and advice surgeries until she has made a full recovery.

Valerie, who is also working hard for her own council election next month, said: "The operation went very successfully indeed. She went in to theatre just after 10.30am and was back on the ward by 2.30pm. "I have spoken to her, and although she is still a little dozy, she told me that she is fine and quite cheerful.

"We are all very optimistic that she will make a full recovery."

Valerie will be assisted by Audrey's long-standing aides George Vickers in Preston and Anni Marjoram in London.

As far as constituents are concerned, it's business as usual -- as Audrey has asked people to still write to her at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA or telephone Preston 556771.

Audrey Wise has spent all her political life fighting for peace, fairness and justice and constituents wishing to send messages of support should write to her at the Commons where they will be passed on to Audrey by her family.