Each year at Autumn Conference, the Party President presents three awards to party members who have gone above and beyond for the party for longer than most of us can remember. There are three awards available:

• President’s Award – this is an award for those party members who have been elected to public office at one point or another – for those who have been councillors or council leaders; for ex-MPs and MEPs. It rewards members who have given an overwhelming amount of time, effort, and support to the Liberal Democrats, and was last year won by Doris Ansari who has been a dominant figure in Cornwall politics for 40 years.
• Harriet Smith Award – this award is also for those members who have given outstanding service to the party but without being elected to public office. Last year it was won by Henry Maddick, who became an active Liberal member in 1976, and continued to deliver, tell, canvass, stand as a paper candidate, and attend conference until age prevented him.
• Belinda Eyre-Brook – this award goes to political assistants to council group – those members who support our elected officials across the country and work incredibly hard to ensure that we continue to make a difference at every level of government. Last year’s winner was Jennifer Pack of Bath and North East Somerset who was credited with expertly supporting her Group as they made the transition from opposition to minority control.

One thing we are never short of in this party are outstanding volunteers – and this is the time of year when we get to recognise them in front of fellow party members and television cameras alike!

So we want to hear from you about those members you think deserve to be recognised. Although I like to think that as Party President I hear about a good number of fantastic volunteers – I know there are more of you out there than I could possibly meet.

If you are interested in nominating an individual, you can either download the nomination form here, or get in touch with Rachael Clarke at rachael.clarke[at]libdems.org.uk.

The deadline for nominations is 13th July 2012, and presentation will take place at Autumn Conference in Brighton.

* Tim Farron is Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Agriculture and MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale.