Paralympic hero, Naomi Riches, said she was “honoured” to open a new exhibition celebrating the women of Marlow who have left their mark on the town throughout history.

Champion rower, Naomi, officially cut the ribbon and declared Marlow Museum’s latest exhibition open to the public on December 9.

The display, called Rebels, Royals and Community Champions – Twenty Women who left their mark on Marlow - celebrates the impact of women on the district from the 11th century to modern day and will run until March.

It features the likes of Nesta Sybil Liston, who gave Liston Hall and her home, New Court, to the town and Dr Rachel Brown, who co-wrote books on the history of Marlow and was a keen member of the Marlow Horticultural Society and the Marlow Players.

Patricia Burstall BEM, from Bisham, is also recognised for her contribution to Marlow. She was historian, fundraiser and tour guide for Bisham Church, patron of the Marlow Choral Society, steward for Marlow Museum and sold poppies for the British Legion for more than 50 years before she passed away this year.

The inspiring exhibition was curated by a team of women headed up by the museum secretary Della Fitzgerald with assistance from Marlow Free Press columnist Michael Eagleton.

Mrs Fitzgerald said they had “over 40 women to choose from”, with the main selection criteria being that the women were no longer alive – meaning Marlow’s golden Paralympian did not make it into the exhibition.

However, her portrait, along with a description of her achievements, was displayed to mark the opening of the exhibition.

After the cutting of the ribbon, Naomi was given a tour of the exhibition by museum chairman Mike Hyde.

On seeing the “special” award in her honour, Naomi said: “It was a lovely honour to open the exhibition. Marlow is a very special place and it is nice to be thought of as special.

“Celebrating Marlow and its history is not done enough, it should be done more often.”

Along with members of the public, Marlow mayor Bob Johnson and deputy mayor Jocelyn Towns were also at the opening along with Wycombe District Councillor, Alex Collingwood.

The exhibition, which is free to enter, is open to the public each Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm until March next year.