Don Foster MP, the Liberal Democrats' shadow secretary of state for the DCMS, has been given the inaugural Parliamentary Champion award by the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA).

BALPPA chief executive, Colin Dawson, said the award is partly in recognition of Foster's valuable advice and guidance that he has passed on during meetings.

"Currently Don is the longest serving MP in his position and as such has a considerable understanding of our industry and tourism in general," Dawson said.

"He has always been prepared to give us time to present our issues, has never refused us an appointment and unusually for an MP answers all his emails personally"