Harry Clarke, who has died at 85, was a tireless campaigner, who helped establish the national Pensioners' Rights Campaign in 1989.

He also fought against apartheid and racism all his life and was made an honorary member of the African National Congress (ANC).

In later life, Harry recalled seeing the Jarrow March from his school in the town in 1936, when he was just 13.

He said: "It was electric.

"As they passed our school, the teacher ordered us all inside for lessons, but I wasn't going to miss the crusade for anything.

"I jumped over the school wall and just ran.

"I had to go home for my tea, but at least I could say I was part of the Jarrow Crusade, if only for a few miles."

Former probation officer Mr Clarke, who spent his later years in Carlisle, became involved in the struggle against apartheid while recovering from TB in South Africa, during his time with the Royal Navy.

His niece, Mary Finnigan, from Beverly Court, Jarrow, said: "Harry was a great man, and a real character. But while he could be a very eloquent speaker, he never forgot who he was, and his roots in Jarrow.

"Harry was made an honorary member of the ANC for his campaigning against apartheid, and was always willing to help out anybody in need.

"He worked as a probationer, and was instrumental in steering my son, John, 36, towards his job in the probation service.

"Harry was well-known to many Labour people in Jarrow, and will be greatly missed."

Mr Clarke, whose wife, Lyn, died in 2006, leaves two adopted daughters and their families.

Dozens of mourners attended Mr Clarke's funeral in Carlisle last week.