DISHING out wisdom for the greater good has earned a local MP a spot in an annual wise list'.

Only two weeks after scooping the title of campaigning MP of the year, Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith (pictured) has been named in Saga magazine's poll.

It celebrates people who have contributed their wisdom to the greater good - placing Ms Smith's name alongside broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough and Baroness Shirley Williams.

The entry for Ms Smith says: "In the finest traditions of good local representation, Geraldine Smith acted upon the concerns of a constituent and warned the Home Office about the dangers faced by immigrant cockle pickers on the deadly tidal flats of Morecambe Bay.

"Nothing was done and eight months later her prophetic warning came true when 19 Chinese cocklers drowned in the notorious tidal currents. Seven months after the drownings, another 144 cocklers had to be rescued.

"She battles on for a proper licensing system, and in doing so reminds those who thought excellent local MPs were a dying breed what they look and sound like."

The public can vote for the five wisest people on the list. Votes can be cast on their website at saga.co.uk. The ballot closes this Friday.