AN MP who represented Redditch for more than a decade has died in hospital, aged 61.

Conservative Eric Forth, who was suffering from cancer, died in London last Wednesday.

Mr Forth was mid-Worcestershire MP - which included Redditch - between 1983-97 but lost the seat to fellow Tory Peter Luff in the elections before the 1997 boundary changes.

Mr Luff paid tribute to Mr Forth as one of the greatest Parliamentarians of his generation.

"No one cared more about Parliamentary scrutiny, or practiced it more enthusiastically, than Eric," he said.

"Eric cultivated a controversial and hard-hitting image but he was delightful company, always outspoken but also thoughtful and challenging."

Mr Forth served as trade and education minister while the Conservatives were in power, as well as Shadow Commons Leader when the party was in opposition.

He was MEP for Birmingham North to 1984, before being elected as MP for Mid-Worcestershire.

After losing the seat to Mr Luff, Mr Forth later moved to be MP for Bromley and Chislehurst in Kent, winning a 9,000 majority at last year's General Election.

Mr Luff said: "No-one knew Parliamentary procedure better than Eric and he used it to devastating effect.

''He spoke with great authority and, when necessary, in great detail to delay or challenge legislation of which he did not approve.

"He held strong views about the proper role of a constituency MP but he was diligent in the pursuit of injustice and I have met many of his former constituents in the Droitwich area who have the most grateful memories of his work on their behalf."