Sport was the watchword in Marlow this weekend, as the sporting community gathered for their annual ball in the eve of a top cycling race through the town.

Marlow Sports Club held its third annual Summer Ball in a marquee on its Pound Lane grounds, which were saved from the clutches of developers in 2011.

Saturday's Spanish-themed event saw members raise over £10,000 towards taking on more land at the riverside site, where over 2000 people regularly play a number of different sports.

And long-term club committee Graham Sweet, who was at the ball, had the honour of waving the flag to start the Aviva Women's Tour, which set off from Marlow on Sunday.

Marlow Town Mayor Bob Johnson and deputy Mayor Jocelyn Towns were two of the dignitaries at the glitzy ball on the eve of the race.

Cllr Johnson, who has chosen the sports club as one of his nominated charities for the coming year, said: "The growth of the Sports Club is a phenomenal story over the last few years and I am delighted to name them as one of my chosen charities during my term as Mayor."

Four years ago, Marlow Sports Club secured its land for the future when it was under threat of being sold for development.

The committee and members have since raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help repay the purchase loan and to take on more land, with the club now boasting more than 20 acres in the heart of the town.

Membership is now well over 2,000 across all age groups, including 800 females and 1,400 youngsters.

Sports represented include cricket, tennis, hockey, running , cycling, junior football and softball, and the club also has a strong association with Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School.