LONG serving Labour party workers Rena Holliday and Clara Carr have lost count of the number of prime ministers they have seen come and go.

But now they have received a special vote of thanks from the present premier Tony Blair.

His local government minister Hilary Armstrong presented the two friends, from Stanley and Billy Row, near Crook, with special certificates marking their contribution.

Mrs Holliday, an 80-year-old great-great grandmother, and Mrs Carr, 96, have supported the party in Ms Armstrong's North-West Dur-ham constituency since they were children and still play an active role.

They were also presented with flowers and House of Commons chocolates. Ms Armstrong said: "I wanted to thank them for their years of hard work and loyal commitment.