UNITED AS A LOCAL PARTY FOR THE GOOD OF THE NATIONAL PARTY' - ANDREWS

1.38.45pm GMT Tue 31st Jan 2006

Nigel Jones presenting a cheque of £200 to Chris Bartrum, Chair of Ross Lib Dems

Hereford Liberal Democrats put all the recent national headlines behind them last week at their annual dinner in Ross-on-Wye. The dinner at the Castle Lodge Hotel in Wilton was held to commemorate the official launch of the Ross-on-Wye Liberal Democrat branch.

Lord Jones of Cheltenham, the former MP for Cheltenham from 1992 -2005 was guest speaker at the event, which attracted over fifty local party members and activists.

Commenting, local MP, Paul Keetch said:

"After the last couple of week's news coverage, it's very encouraging to hear some positive news from Herefordshire.

"Locally we are proud to have experienced, caring councillors like Derek Bedford and Joyce Davis, working for the people of Ross. With this new branch, I hope that more people will get involved with true liberal democrat values.

Commenting on the recent press attention, Vice Chairman, Cllr Polly Andrews said:

"We in Herefordshire are united as a local party for the good of the national party. Every political party has their setbacks, but in a couple of weeks, we shall be electing a new leader and looking to the future."