LibDem's honour counciillor's dedication

The award, made in recognition of Cllr Wood's "significant contribution to the effectiveness of the local Liberal Democratic party during the previous twelve months" was presented by Liberal Democratic Parliamentary Spokesman, Mary Varrall.

At the presentation ceremony, held at a LibDem social event, councillors and friends paid tribute to the late Cllr Russell Tweedie-Walker, who was also an Old Town Ward Councillor.

They said his untimely death in 2002 "deprived Bexhill of the best mayor Bexhill never had" and that he was "an example for all in dedicated work on behalf of this local community."

Cllr Wood is the first person ever to receive the award and Mary Varrall said:

"I am so pleased that Cllr Wood is the first to receive this recognition. He is a dedicated councillor who really 'makes a difference' in the town."

Cllr Wood said:"I find it an honour to be the first recipient of this shield in memory of Cllr Tweedie-Walker, in the seat I took over from him, and I pledge to continue to serve the ward of Old Town and its residents who have supported me so loyally for the past 7 years."

In future the shield will be awarded annually to a Liberal Democrat in Rother District who has given outstanding service to the community.