Claire Brooks OBE

4.37.00pm GMT Sun 16th Mar 2008

One of the most passionate and prominent figures in Craven's political history has died aged 76.

Claire Brooks, who died of a chest infection on Thursday at Anley House care home in Settle, had been struggling with dementia for several years.

A lawyer and battler for people's rights, she was a Lib/Dem Craven councillor in Skipton for more than 23 years before she retired in 1999.

She also fought the Skipton and Ripon constituency for the Liberals in the mid 1970s and almost snatched the seat away from the Tories.

Mrs Brooks, who was awarded an OBE for services to political and public life, will be remembered for her fiery speeches in the council chamber at both Craven District Council and Skipton Town Council.

Craven Herald