SDLP leader Claire Hanna has attended an event at an Orange Hall in south Belfast to mark one of its members’ awarding of an MBE.

The South Belfast and Mid Down MP was pictured at the event at Ballynafeigh Orange Hall on Saturday.

The event was held by the local lodge to celebrate the awarding of an MBE to long-time lodge member Noel Liggett.

Mr Liggett was awarded the title as part of the King’s New Year’s Honours list for “demonstrating outstanding determination, tenacity, and drive in promoting good relations and community cohesion in south Belfast for 30 years as District Master of the Number 10 District Lodge”.

Among the achievements cited as part of the honour for the Orangeman was a 2018 cultural exchange between Ballynafeigh Orange Lodge and Bredagh GAC, which was described as “a model for peaceful co-existence in south Belfast”.

Ms Hanna attended the event on Saturday alongside Belfast Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly of the DUP and senior figures from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

The SDLP leader had been invited to the event after writing a letter in support of Mr Liggett’s application for the award.

“Claire Hanna was approached as the MP of our area seeking support for Noel’s application to the honours systems,” Ballynafeigh Orange Hall commented in a post on social media.

“Ms Hanna wrote a very supportive and factual letter of support for Noel.

“As such, every person who wrote letters of support, Ms Hanna was invited to attend our celebration of Noel’s achievement.

“Whilst our political views may not align, yesterday the entire room of 50 plus people were in unison for their appreciation of Noel’s 30+ years service to our Loyal Orders and the wider Ormeau Road community.”

“Ballynafeigh Orange Lodge is a long established civic institution in my constituency and as the MP I was very glad to accept their invitation to afternoon tea on Saturday,” Ms Hanna told The Irish News.

“It was marking an honour received, in part, for contribution to good community relations and engagement with sports and other local clubs in the neighbourhood.

“My politics and those of the SDLP are proudly about engagement and respect for a wide range of identities. South Belfast is a shared community and I am honoured to represent it and the many traditions that make it what it is.”