FRIENDS and colleagues of a prominent HS2 campaigner have paid tribute to 'a huge community asset'.

Great Missenden resident and former parish councillor Shirley Judges passed away on Wednesday, July 9, following a short fight against cancer.

The grandmother was the chairman of the Great Missenden Stop HS2 campaign, a director of the national Stop HS2 group and a familiar face at events against the project around the county.

Friends who knew the former Misbourne School teacher through her tireless campaigning work against HS2 added their tributes to Mrs Judges.

Seb Berry said: "Shirley will always be remembered as the leader, heart and soul of Great Missenden Stop HS2. She was an inspiration.

"Loved and admired throughout the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and beyond, Shirley touched so very many lives, including mine, with her kindness, enthusiasm, support and friendship. "Shirley truly loved Great Missenden and she spent so much of her life, even before HS2, campaigning to protect the village. Great Missenden will never be quite the same without her. We've lost someone very special indeed."

Andrew Garnett said: "I very quickly came to know Shirley as a real person who brought real value to our local community, and who had its best interests at heart all the time.

"She was a huge community asset. We will all miss her energy, enthusiasm and drive for the Stop HS2 campaign.

"She very quickly became a friend - that's the most important thing."

Peter Jones said: "My wife Katy knew Shirley from when they both worked for the Adult Education Service. Shirley always had time for other people - indeed she was one of the most polite and proper people you could wish to meet.

"She knew a lot about many different things as well, she was a valued member of any quiz team!"

Brenda Barker said: "Such a lovely, courageous, intelligent lady. Your wisdom and knowledge are going to be greatly missed. RIP dear friend."

Mrs Judges's home village's MP Cheryl Gillan paid tribute to her during Transport Questions in the House of Commons the day after her death.

She said: "This morning I heard of the death of Mrs Shirley Judges, one of my firm campaigners against HS2. She had put up a robust defence of our local environment in the Chilterns and throughout the country."

Mrs Gillan later added: "The community of Great Missenden has lost a strong advocate. I add my condolences to Mrs Judges’ family in their loss."

Mrs Judges's funeral will take place at the Chiltern Woodland Burial Park in Beaconsfield at 11am on Friday, July 25.