A 99-year-old has been given a lifetime achievement award for her dedication to the Conservative Party.

Vera Goodman, from Ham, has been a well respected member of the local Conservative Party for more than 50 years and an active supporter of the party for 80 years.

As a thank you for her support, she was presented with the lifetime achievement award by MPs Zac Goldsmith and Michael Gove last month at the party’s national excellence awards. 

In addition to her volunteering work, Mrs Goodman has been a member of the woman’s national committee, stood as a candidate for Ham, Petersham and Richmond Riverside ward in Richmond Council elections and was chairman of the Richmond Conservative Women’s Organisation.

Mrs Goodman also assumed the chairmanship of the 372 group, referring to the group's Richmond headquarters, in 2005 and organised high profile political events in the Richmond Park constituency.

Under her leadership, the group hosted a range of high profile speakers including Prime Minister David Cameron shortly after he became party leader and Sir John Major.

She has also served as vice-president of the Richmond Park and North Kingston Conservative Association since 2010.

Mr Goldsmith said: "The association and I are hugely grateful for Vera’s tireless loyalty and support, and are thrilled that her efforts have been recognised at the highest level."