President's Award for Brentwood's Derek Hardy

5.15.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Sep 2008

Former Lib Dem mayor Derek Hardy receives his award from Simon Hughes MP, Party President

Brentwood & Ongar Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that Derek Hardy, former Lib Dem mayor, has been honoured with a President's Award.

Derek was presented with his award by Party President, Simon Hughes MP, at the Federal Conference in Bournemouth. The presentation was made live on the BBC Parliament channel whilst his wife Marjorie and daughter Janet watched proudly from the audience.

He received his award in recognition of his sixty years as a member of the Liberal and Liberal Democrat party. He joined the Liberals in 1948 and was a key player in the Orpington parliamentary by-election in 1965, which saw Eric Lubbock convincingly beat the Conservatives in a surprise result.

Derek has served as a parish, borough and county councillor in Brentwood over the last 25 years and stood down in May this year.

Cllr Karen Chilvers, Chair of Brentwood & Ongar Liberal Democrats, said:

"Derek thoroughly deserves this prestigious award and I was delighted when I heard the news. He is a fine gentleman and was a such hard working councillor. I learnt so much from him in our year together as members of Brentwood Borough Council.

"Sixty years of membership and active contribution is something that should be and, I am pleased to say, has been recognised and I wholeheartedly congratulate Derek on this achievement"

Speaking at the ceremony, Simon Hughes said: "We are proud of your membership and we are very pleased to give you this award."