LABOUR Party stalwart Bernard Bell has been thanked for a lifetime's dedication by the Prime Minister.

Tony Blair wrote to the City of York councillor as he celebrated 60 years of membership on his 78th birthday. He had joined the day he turned 18 - the legal age limit to be a party member. Coun Bell, who has served as a councillor since 1972, has been Lord Mayor once and Sheriff twice.

He said: "I knew nothing about this letter and I must admit I was in tears when I received it. It was such a wonderful surprise and one I will never forget."

The letter read: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to pay my own personal tribute.

"You have been a tremendous asset to our party."

Coun Bell has lived in York all his life. The letter was handed over by city MP Hugh Bayley in the cab of the steam locomotive Mallard, in the National Railway Museum.

Coun Bell spent his working life on the railways, starting by cleaning Mallard and progressing to driving it in the 1950s. He said: "I have seen some vast changes in the Labour Party in the past 60 years, but I have loved every minute.

"It's more modern now. I don't know if that's made it better, but I am still very proud to be a member."

Mr Bayley said: "As long as there are people like Bernard working tirelessly for the common good, York will continue to prosper as a community."

Updated: 09:29 Saturday, December 22, 2001