A MINUTE’S silence was held by councillors in memory of two young Bucks residents who sadly died in tragic circumstances.

On Monday, Wycombe District Council stood together in silence to remember 21-year-old Libby Squire, from High Wycombe, whose body was found in the Humber Estuary after a seven-week search in Hull and Joel Langford, 17, who died in his hometown Marlow after being hit by a train.

It comes as more tributes were paid to Libby and over £1,500 is raised in her name by the Hull community.

The University of Hull alumni office set up the Libby Squire memorial fund to “build on her legacy”.

A total of £1,535 has so far been raised, with the alumni office confirming the cash will be used to establish the Libby Squire Recognition Award, to be known locally as Libby’s Prize.

The first prize will be awarded in July 2020, the year Libby would have graduated.

The university is hoping to raise enough money to be able to offer a £300 prize annually for 21 years; an award to celebrate every year of Libby’s life.

Writing on the fundraising page, the organisers said: “Libby had taken our city and our University to her heart, and her loss has affected us all. Since learning of her disappearance in February, the University community have connected in hope, then fear, and ultimately sadness and grief.

“Now we invite you to connect in Libby’s name, and do something positive for the benefit of our current and future students.

“In this dark time, we hope you might join us as we seek to find a little light for Libby’s family, by doing something positive that will directly impact our student community.

“Libby is one of us. She will not be forgotten.”

Meanwhile, in West Wycombe, St Paul’s Church is open day and night so residents can light a candle in memory of Libby and sign a book of condolence for her devastated family.

It comes as Libby’s mum praised volunteers in Hull who helped preserve the sea of flowers laid in tribute to her daughter at the bench where she was last seen.

Volunteers collected the flowers and preserved them by making potpourri.

Speaking to the Hull Community Church, who organised the session, Mrs Squire said: “It looks like you had a wonderful morning. I would love some - quite a few probably - of the jars. I cannot thank you all enough for all the effort you are going to in my Libby’s name.

“Please would you pass our thanks to everyone involved with this wonderful display of community love.”