A farewell has been paid to a long serving "passionate" Marlow council member who has stepped down from her role after nearly two decades of service.

Cllr Janet Pritchard of Great Marlow Parish Council - who stood for Parliament against home secretary Theresa May in 2005 - has left the council after 18 years.

Colleagues have praised her commitment to the serving the community and championing causes such as the opposition to a stadium proposal in Booker.

In 2007 she served as chairman of Great Marlow Parish Council and oversaw the council split which created Marlow Bottom Parish Council.

Wycombe District Council member Cllr Dominic Barnes, a colleague of Janet at that time, said: "I've known Janet for over 15 years, I've found her a kind and passionate person who was determined to protect the community that we both live in.

"Although we've disagreed on occasion she's always conducted herself in a courteous and professional manner and is a credit to the community that she represented."

Janet has also operated on a larger political stage, speaking at a Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth and also standing as the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Maidenhead in 2005 against current home secretary Mrs May.

Council colleague Graham Fletcher said: "For the last 20 years she has been heavily involved in community service.

"Whether it is as a school governor, a driving force in the surveying and public presentation of the First World War trenches at Pullingshill Wood or her Parish Council work Janet has demonstrated an exceptional level of energy and commitment.

"Janet’s presence will be greatly missed and Great Marlow Parish Council is now faced with the onerous task of finding a replacement to fill a very large pair of shoes."