THE widow of a former Darlington MP, Margaret Elaine Bourne-Arton, died at the family home, aged 88.

Mrs Bourne-Arton, whose late husband, Anthony, was MP from 1959 to 1964, was a Mothers' Union member and patron of the parish church in West Tanfield, near Stanley, County Durham.

The family came to the area from Bradford when woollen mill owner Thomas Arton bought the Tanfield Lodge Estate at West Tanfield in 1885.

Their eldest son, Christopher, now runs the estate.

Mrs Bourne-Arton, who lived at Tanfield Lodge, leaves three other children, Caroline, Hilary and Simon, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at St Nicholas' Church, West Tanfield, today.

Details are available on (01748) 850033. Family flowers only are requested.