Words of gratitude have poured in for a "loyal, dignified and gentle lady" who ran Sarratt Conservatives for more than 25 years.

Jean Newell was born in Tottenham on August 3, 1929 and moved to Hertfordshire aged four, and attended Cheshunt Grammar School where she was head girl.

After school she worked at the Bank of England and was appointed industrial relations manager in 1975, at the Banks Printing Works.

Before retirement she lived in Manuden in Essex and in 1983 moved in with her mother and sisters in Sarratt. She died on June 24.

Linda Hopkinson, Sarratt Conservative chairman, said: "I first met Jean in 1988 when she was secretary of Sarratt Branch Conservatives. In the early 1990s she took over as chairman from Charles Bramall - a vote she only relinquished in 2010.

"Fundraising was huge in Jean's life, not only for the Conservatives but also for many local and national organisations.

"I could look through the Oxford English Dictionary for 1,000 words to describe Jean but there would still not be enough words to say how I truly feel about her.

"Jean was an inspiration to us all, loyal, dignified and above all, a true gentle lady."

Ms Newell enjoyed bridge, singing, and was a Tottenham Hotspur season ticket holder.

Mariet Bramall, fellow bridge player, said: "She was part of our foursome for nearly 30 years. Apart from playing the game, her sense of humour and fun was what we looked forward to every week.

"The Monday afternoons are never going to be the same again. We shall miss her terribly."

Ms Newell also organising the Sarratt Ball and the Jazz Salmon Lunch.

Jeremy Page from the Southwest Herts Conservative Association, added: "I think we can all agree that Jean was one of a kind.

"She was an amazingly strong woman with firm beliefs and yet so very kind. She has been a linchpin within both the association and the Sarratt Branch for many years.

"She will be desperately missed by all who had the good fortune to meet and know her."