Tributes have been paid to veteran clean-up campaigner Mary Whitehouse, who has died. She was 91.

Mary Whitehouse celebrating her Diamond wedding anniversary with her husband Ernest

Mrs Whitehouse died at the Abberton Manor Nursing Home, Colchester, after a long illness. She had moved there two years ago with her husband and devoted supporter Ernest.

They celebrated their diamond wedding together in March 2000, but he died in July.

A spokesman for the home said: "She passed away peacefully. She had become increasingly frail in recent times."

Mrs Whitehouse founded the National Viewers and Listeners Association, which became the national TV watchdog.

The association, which has now changed its name to Mediawatch, was launched in 1964 and over the years membership grew to 37,000.

The organisation's John Beyer, of Colchester, said: "Mary was profoundly compassionate and caring in her concern about television, film and the media with the influence it has on our society, especially children, and the rising generations."

He added: "Although she was often seen as a thorn in the side of the upper echelons of TV, I have heard it said that if she hadn't existed broadcasters would have had to invent her."

A BBC spokesman paid tribute to her saying: "Mary Whitehouse kept broadcasters on their toes with her feisty and dedicated campaigning style.

"Her contribution enlivened countless BBC programmes."

One of her most frequent targets, the sexually explicit comedian Bernard Manning, said: "She'll be sadly missed, I imagine, but not by me."

Mrs Whitehouse, who previously lived in Dead Lane, Ardleigh, leaves three sons.

Published Monday November 26, 2001