Much-loved community campaigner Katy Andrews has died suddenly.

Ms Andrews was found dead in her flat in Walthamstow by a close friend on Sunday.

Katy was active in many groups across the borough, including Waltham Forest Civic Society and Walthamstow Historical Society, and was the former vice-chair of the New Lammas Lands Defence Committee.

Ms Andrews was outspoken on the protection and preservation of Leyton Marshes and was a member of The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

In 2010, she stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in Lea Bridge Ward, but narrowly missed out on the seat to the Labour candidates.

On the day of her death, she led part of a cycle ride as part of the annual beating the bounds event.

In November, Katy helped trace the only living relatives of rail campaigner Richard Pout when he died. 

Joe Ward, chairman of the New Lammas Lands Defence Committee, said Ms Andrews, of Edward Road, was in “good spirits” on the day of her death.

He said: “Sadly, at some time during the early hours of Sunday she suddenly died in her flat.

“She was discovered by a close friend and the matter is in the hands of HM Coroner. I am confident that the death was through natural causes.

“It has come as a tremendous shock to her wide circle of friends and acquaintances.”

Friend Rita Acharya, landlady of the Hare and Hounds pub in Leyton called her a ‘furious supporter’ and a ‘passionate’ campaigner.

She said: “Waltham Forest has lost an invaluable treasure. Katy had amazing historical knowledge and she was known by everyone.

“She was a bit like marmite for some people- they liked her or they didn’t but she was a wonderful, wonderful person and a very dear friend.

“There is so much that can be said.

“She was so passionate about green spaces and held meetings in our conservatory; she loved real ale and pubs.

“I can still see her now, sitting in the garden last week in her summer frock with her newspaper and her sandals off to the side.

“She felt so at home here.

“She had such an infectious laugh and she was forever supporting us.

“She was a furious supporter of the pub and she helped us with anything we did when we had problems here or when we celebrated the 150th birthday – I was just reading about all of the things she has done and I have no idea how she managed to fit it all in

“Any event we had she would get on her bike and spread the word. She is going to be so madly missed here.”

Watch a video of Katy speaking about the protection and preservation of Leyton Marshes below.

Anyone who wishes to pay tribute to Katy can contact reporters Zoie O'Brien and Barnaby Davis at zoie.obrien@london.newsquest.co.uk and barnaby.davis@london.newsquest.co.uk.