Crowds turned out to welcome the Queen's Royal Swan Marker to Marlow as a flotilla of boats arrived in the town for the annual swan census yesterday. 

The tradition, which dates back to the 12th century and has been held every year except in 2012 due to floods, arrived in Cookham and Marlow yesterday, before crews departed from Marlow Bridge heading towards Hurley Lock at around 9.15am. 

Swan Upping plays an important role in the conservation of the mute swan along the River Thames and involves The Queen’s Swan Warden collecting data, assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries.

Among the Swan Upping crew was television star Ben Fogle and his family, who helped out with the swan census and got to hold swans and cygnets.

Marlow mayor, Cllr Jocelyn Towns, also took part in the flotilla alongside deputy mayor Cllr Chris Funnell.

She described the tradition as "absolutely magical".

The Royal Swan Uppers arrived at Marlow Lock at around 5.45pm yesterday to crowds of Marlovians who turned out to watch the dazzling spectacle. 

Scroll through our gallery of pictures from the day above.