Excitement is building for this weekend’s homecoming celebrations for the district’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes in Marlow.

Last week, the Free Press announced Wycombe District Council's plans for a homecoming party in Higginson Park on October 2 to mark the incredible achievements of the area's athletes.

A host of stars have now confirmed they will be taking part in the celebrations - including double Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover and Paralympic champions Jeanette Chippington and Katie-George Dunlevy.

It was a summer to remember for Cookham resident Helen, who not only successfully defended her 2,000m rowing title with partner Heather Stanning, but also married TV star Steve Backshall.

Marlow resident Alex Danson can expect a hero’s welcome on Sunday after she scored five goals to propel Team GB’s hockey team to a historic gold in Rio 2016.

High Wycombe-born wheelchair basketballer Clare Griffiths will also greet the crowds, along with shooter and former Young Sports Personality of the Year Amber Hill.

They will join Paralympic rower and Marlow resident Naomi Riches and five-time Olympic medallist and Marlow Rowing Club member Katherine Grainger, who confirmed they would be taking part last week.

The athletes will be presented to the crowd in front of Court Garden House at 2pm before residents have the chance to meet and take photos with their Olympic and Paralympic heroes.

Cllr Bob Johnson, Marlow Mayor, said: “We are incredibly proud that Wycombe District Council has chosen Higginson Park for a homecoming celebration.

“Olympians and Paralympians will be strolling around and meeting the general public and we are absolutely over the moon about it.

“The whole town is looking forward to being able to have a discussion with these athletes about their challenges, their achievements and the excitement of Rio 2016.”

Cllr Jocelyn Towns, deputy mayor, added: "It is such an honour for Marlow to host our Olympians, we look forward to celebrating their success with them. We thought we had done well in the last Olympics, but achieved even more medals this time."