Ogden Trust honours Sir Cyril

12.00.00am GMT Tue 11th Nov 2008

Sir Peter Ogden of the Ogden Trust today (Tuesday 11 November) officially handed over a portrait of Sir Cyril Smith by artist Paul Semple.

The event, at the National Liberal Club, was attended by Lib Dem President Simon Hughes MP, Chief Executive of the Lib Dems Lord Chris Rennard and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen amongst a host of guests including many current MPs.

Sir Cyril recorded a short speech that was played at the event.

Sir Cyril said: "I am very touched and feel very honoured that people have gone to all this effort. There seems to be a lot of trouble being taken and I am very grateful.

"The National Liberal Club was my home when I used to stay in London as an MP. As a former Chairman of the club in the eighties, it's nice to leave my mark and I thank the Ogden Trust and the National Liberal Club for this recognition."

Paul Rowen MP said: "This is a deserved honour for someone who strived to get the best for Rochdale. Cyril, being Cyril doesn't know what all the fuss is about. The fact that so many people are travelling from across the country to mark Sir Cyril's portrait shows that his achievements are appreciated across our country. The portrait by Paul Semple is excellent and definitely shows Cyril in his pomp."

The Ogden Trust have donated the painting of Sir Cyril Smith MBE, a patron of the Trust, to mark his 80th Birthday celebrations.

Rochdale is the home town of Ogden Trust chairman and founder Sir Peter Ogden. Both he and Sir Cyril attended Rochdale Grammar School for Boys.

Sir Peter Ogden and Trust Chief Executive Tim Simmons decided to present one the two portraits of Sir Cyril to the club in recognition of Sir Cyril's long service to Liberalism.