A plaque marking the achievements of an extraordinary Bradford woman was unveiled this morning at the Mechanics' Institute Library.

Florence White, from Scholemoor, and her sister Annie were two of many remarkable Bradford women who took a lead in social reform in the early part of the twentieth century. It was the White sisters' campaigning which forced a reduction in the pension age for women from 65 to 60.

The plaque at the Mechanics' Institute, Kirkgate, the scene of Florence White's maiden speech, was unveiled by Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Elaine Byrom. Coun Byrom said: "This is the third such plaque I have unveiled for the Bradford Peace Trail and I have learned an awful lot since I started.

"So far, the plaques have all been to women, which I think is very indicative of how strong we can be.

"I am proud to unveil this plaque to Florence White with great gratitude for what she achieved."

In 1898, aged 12, Florence and her sister Annie were sent to work in the mills. But they were independent and started their own businesses as piano teachers and dressmakers. In 1935 Florence, by now working for the Liberals, called for pensions for spinsters at a meeting in the Mechanics' Institute.

By 1937 there was enough support for them to go to London to push their campaign.

Brenda Thompson, of the Bradford City for Peace group, said: "All female pensioners among us who can draw their pensions at 60 can do so because of Florence White."

Also present at the unveiling was Anne Pearson whose great aunts, Winifred and Hilda Stephenson, were members of the same movement.