MARLOW has continued its history of supporting British troops by holding its biggest ever Armed Forces Day celebration, today.

Mayor of Marlow Cllr Suzanne Brown has hailed the efforts of the town and hopes residents continue to support the military forces that have been such an aid to the community this year.

With the help of the Royal Logistics Corps as well as cadets, the church and the Royal British Legion, Mayor Brown said she believes this year’s celebration has been the biggest and the best.

She said: “This is the first year the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) has been on hand to support Armed Forces Day in Marlow and they have helped to make it the biggest celebration since it started.

“People of Marlow always celebrate the work of the military and this celebration will hopefully continue to grow each year within the town.

“We were helped enormously by military personnel earlier in the year during the flooding. They were a great support and helped many, many, people. This is nice to be able to give them back our support.

“As has been said we have an amazing support for the people who have lost their lives for this country on Armistice Day, but this event gives us an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of retired and serving men and women too.”

Mayor Brown was one of three people to lay a wreath at the memorial near the Causeway, which was closed during the ceremony.

Marlow Royal British Legion chairman, Shaun Murphy, also laid a wreath as did Major Rick Lawn, the officer commanding the postal and courier squadron of the RLC, now based in Booker.

Lt Col Murphy, who was recently awarded the Mayor’s award, said: “I think it is important we mark this day with a celebration.

“It used to just be Veterans Day up until about six years ago, and we should give serving men and women as well as retired personnel the respect they deserve.

“It is nice to have the reserves here too today; hopefully residents will show an interest with the presence of them here.”

As well as the wreath laying there was also a service led by John Bustin at All Saints Church.

He said: “I think we all owe a lot to the servicemen and women who fight for our freedom and it is nice to show our gratitude in some way.”

It is nice to see Armed Forces Day is growing bigger within this community, he added.

Following the service, personnel marched to the Marlow RBL, in Station Approach, to join other members of the community.