AN exhibition showcasing the life and political career of Dewsbury-born Baroness Betty Boothroyd is to be featured at the town's museum in Crow Nest Park.

Betty Boothroyd - A Life in Politics opens on Saturday.

It has been put together by the Sandwell Museum Service in the West Midlands, where she was an MP.

Betty Boothroyd - born in 1929 - made history by becoming the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons.

She was the daughter of a trade union activist and was determined to follow in her father's socialist footsteps.

"Like my parents, I yearned for change and a better future for people who were forced to live such narrow lives," she said.

After a failed attempt at winning a seat in the Dewsbury town council elections of 1952, the former Tiller Girl dancer stood in five election contests, before finally entering the Commons in 1973 as Labour MP for West Bromwich.

She became Speaker of the Commons on April 27, 1992 - the year she was also awarded the Freedom of Kirklees.

Museums officer Grant Scanlan said Baroness Boothroyd's "no- nonsense" approach had made an immediate impression. He added: "As Speaker, she was renowned for her wit and scathing putdowns."

The centrepiece of the exhibition, which runs until April 4, is a collection of objects given to Baroness Boothroyd during her political career.

For details, phone Mr Scanlan at 01924 325100 or visit www.citizenship anddemocracy.org.uk