Remembering Vivienne Westwood at Aldermaston CND protest

The death of punk fashion icon Vivienne Westwood on December 29 prompted memories by photographer Geoff Fletcher who met her on assignment for the Newbury Weekly News in 2008.

"She was great," said Mr Fletcher. "Obviously a strong character, but very approachable. An absolute legend and a privilege to have met her."

Derbyshire-born designer Westwood brought punk fashion into the global mainstream from her King's Road boutique in the 70s alongside her business partner, Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren. But she was also a passionate and outspoken campaigner – described as "a rebel never without a cause".

On a freezing weekend at Easter 2008 she was among the high profile figures who joined the demonstration, linking arms at AWE Aldermaston to mark the 50th anniversary of the first CND Aldermaston March, alongside MPs Caroline Lucas and Jeremy Corbyn and CND's Bruce Kent.

Mr Fletcher remembers it as a celebration as well as an anti-nuclear protest, and Vivienne Westwood wanted to hear more about the Newbury Weekly News coverage of Greenham Common Peace Camp.

CND said she was "an inspirational activist for peace and planet. She will be much missed."