One of Gravesham’s most distinguished former mayors, Lady Murray of Gravesend, has died at the age of 85.

Lady Murray was the widow of former Gravesend MP Albert Murray, later Baron Murray of Gravesend, and spent almost 60 years in public life.

She was well known in the town for her work managing Gravesend Churches Housing Association for more than two decades.

After she retired, she was elected to Gravesham Council in a by-election in October 1992 and became Mayor in 1995.

Her daughter Kate Murray said: "She had a really strong sense of social justice and she believed in helping people make the most of themselves, get on in life and be able to access opportunities.

“She used to hold legendary parties for all the people from the different groups she came into contact with.

“She was great fun.”

Racial equality was a passion of Lady Murray’s and she chaired Gravesham’s Community Relations Council for more than 10 years, working closely with the Sikh community and other ethnic minority groups.

Born Anne Wakeford, she was brought up in Crayford and educated at Dartford Grammar School for Girls.

She joined the Labour Party in 1950 and it was politics which introduced her to her husband Albert, whom she met at the Labour Party conference in Blackpool in 1959.

When he won his Gravesend seat in the 1964 general election, they moved to the town, where Anne stayed until her deteriorating health necessitated a move to London three years ago.

She worked as unpaid secretary to Albert during his six years as an MP, before getting a job as manager of Gravesend Churches Housing Association in 1972.

She retired 21 years later by which time it was a thriving organisation providing hundreds of affordable homes in the area.

Council leader Councillor John Burden said: "She was a lovely person. She was clear in her views and forthright but very forgiving.

“She always worked hard for people even if she didn’t agree with them.”

Lady Murray is survived by her children Kate and Tim and four grandchildren, Milo, Albie, Cicely and Lydia.

Her funeral will take place at 1pm on October 23 at Christchurch in Old Road East, followed by a private committal afterwards.