Thousands of sports fans are expected to descend on Marlow as plans are revealed for a homecoming party in honour of the district’s Olympic heroes.

Following the incredible success of British athletes – many from Marlow - at Rio 2016, Wycombe District Council is organising a celebration to recognise their achievements.   

Sporting champions including Marlow’s own Paralympic rower Naomi Riches and Britain’s most successful female Olympian Katherine Grainger have already confirmed they will join the celebrations on October 2.

Wycombe is credited with producing some of the country's most talented athletes, including hockey champions Alex Danson and Nick Catlin and wheelchair basketball star Clare Griffiths.

Court Garden House will play host to the afternoon festivities, with Wycombe’s sport stars taking to the balcony overlooking Higginson Park from 2pm.

Proud sports fans will then get a chance to meet their heroes in the flesh as the stars head down into the park for autographs and pictures.

Speaking to the Marlow Free Press, gold medallist Naomi Riches said she was looking forward to the festivities, having missed out on two previous occasions.

She said: “It should be really fun and a really nice celebration of what we have achieved in the area. A lot has been achieved around here and I am really proud to be a part of that.

“I missed out on the celebrations in 2008 because I had glass in my foot and in 2012 they chose the only date I couldn’t attend, so I'm really looking forward to this one.”  

Cllr Mahboob Hussain, Chairman of Wycombe District Council said the parade is all about “celebrating the achievement and success, and saluting the athletes from our local area as well as all the people who have played a part in their sports careers.”

He added: “The whole country is so proud of the amazing success of our Olympians and Paralympians in Rio. The fact that this area has produced, and will continue to produce, elite sportsmen and women who compete at national and international level is something that everyone in Wycombe district can be proud of. They’ve certainly helped to put Wycombe district on the world map.

“As well as the personal skills, talent and dedication of each of the individual sports men and women, we are also celebrating the dedication of the local people who have also played a big part in that success too.”

Marlow FM will also be on hand throughout the day to provide music and live broadcasts from the event.

Tim Ashburner, from Marlow FM, said he was delighted to be involved in the celebrations.

He said: “Marlow has so much to celebrate. Olympians and Paralympians wander round the town and rub shoulders with residents, it’s not just watching them on television. They are part of the Marlow family and we are delighted to be able to share in their success.”