A LABOUR Party stalwart of 65 years was banned from attending Tony Blair's anniversary party - for speaking out against the war in Iraq.

Joan Smith, 80, said last night she was "deeply wounded" by the decision not to allow her to attend Saturday night's bash to mark the Prime Minister's 20 years as MP for Sedgefield.

Mrs Smith, who lives in Sedgefield village, has been a party member for more than 65 years.

She says she has campaigned for the party over many years, including canvassing and delivering leaflets, and has met Mr Blair on several occasions.

A former Labour party councillor in Essex in her younger years, Mrs Smith took a stand against the conflict in Iraq.

She took part in anti-war demonstrations in the village and spoke out against the conflict on national television, although she denies saying anything against Mr Blair himself.

However, Prime Minister's agent John Burton said her stance had cost her a place at the anniversary party in Trimdon Labour Club.

A tearful Mrs Smith said last night: "I was told by Lily Burton that on the personal word of her husband I was not allowed to go because I demonstrated against the war.

"I feel like I've been treated like a little girl who's had a slap on the hand by the teacher."

She added: "I'm hurt so deeply by this, it's such a slap in the face and I'm at the end of my tether.

"My dear husband and I fought all our lives to preserve the party and all it has stood for.

"There were people at the party that probably haven't stepped foot in there before, but I was a founder member of the Labour Club and this is the treatment I get."

Mrs Smith continued: "I was interviewed by John Sergeant in the Dun Cow pub and it went on national television, but I didn't say anything derogatory against Tony Blair, so I don't know how they could have treated me like this.

"We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship and I would still demonstrate because I still don't believe the war was necessary. I reserve the right to free speech."

The guests at Blair's party on Saturday included North-East MPs and local party activists.

Mr Burton, Tony Blair's agent since he was first elected in 1983, said: "We had a number of tickets to give out to people who have worked hard for the Labour party over the years and who are friends of Tony.

"There was bound to be some people who missed out and Joan was one of them."

He added: "To be honest, her attitude has hurt me and it's hurt my wife.

"She's got to realise the consequences of her actions.

"She can't rubbish the Prime Minister on national television and then expect to come to his party. She should have gone straight to him and talked to him about it, as others have done.

"The very fact that she's gone to The Northern Echo about this proves my point."