PRAISE for Sir Edward Heath poured in following his announcement he is to stand down at the next general election after 50 years as MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup.

In a letter to his constituency, the 84 year-old former Prime Minister said he was "immensely proud" of having contested and won 14 general elections for the seat since 1950, becoming the longest-serving MP and Father of the House.

Before flying to Japan, Mr Heath said: "Throughout the period I have been an MP, I have greatly valued the support of the voters of Bexley, the members of our party and the help I received from citizens of our borough in carrying out my responsibilities to them.

"I shall always remember these years of service I was able to give and the pleasure I received."

Political allies and foes alike praised the veteran politician's achievements.

Barry Fowler, secretary of the Old Bexley and Sidcup Conservative Association, called Mr Heath "a man of enormous energy and integrity".

He said: "It would be impossible to detail all his achievements for his constituency and constituents."

Bexley Mayor Councillor John Wilkinson said: "I would like to thank Sir Edward for his service to the borough over the last 50 years and wish him a happy retirement."

Former Conservative MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford David Evennett said: "His tremendous career and his service to the country have been real achievements."

Councillor Chris Ball, leader of Bexley Council's Labour group, said: "If I can achieve just half of what Sir Edward has politically, I would consider it a success."

Sir Edward Heath served as Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974 and considers his greatest moment to be the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1972, taking Britain into the Common Market.

The Eurosceptic prospective Conservative candidate for Greenwich and Woolwich, Richard Forsdyke, said of Sir Edward: "He is still an engaging and wise speaker in Parliament and in private. It won't be the same without him."

Conservative leader of Bexley Council, Coun Mike Slaughter was shocked by the suddenness of the announcement: "We were completely in the dark about it.

"What I shall miss most about him is he could open doors others couldn't. As an ex-Prime Minister, he had access to certain members and officers. He has helped us a lot."

Despite being famously grumpy and having a 15-year sulk with former protegee Margaret Thatcher after she ousted him as leader of the Tory party, Sir Edward is a humorous after-dinner speaker, once upstaging comedy legend Eric Morecombe when they spoke at the same dinner party.

Born in Broadstairs in 1916, the son of a carpenter from Kent served as a major in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War. He was mentioned in despatches and left the army as lieutenant-colonel, going into politics after stints in banking and journalism.

Outside politics, the lifelong bachelor's passions are wide-ranging.

Sir Edward is a distinguished pianist and has played with many orchestras, including the BBC's Big Band Orchestra. He is also a noted conductor and has swung the baton across the globe for such distinguished companies as the London Sinfonia, the Chicago Symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic.

For a few years in the 1970s, his exploits as an outstanding yachtsman made his boat, Morning Cloud, one of the most famous in Britain. He was captain of the British team in the Admiral's Cup in 1971 and 1979, and captain of the British team in the Sardinia Cup in 1980.

Sir Edward has written many books on the three passions in his life: politics, sailing and music.

He also has a passionate interest in the Far East, especially China and Japan. He is involved with the Japanese Arts Association and advises China on shipping and finance.