History was made for a group of Marlow philanthropists as they welcomed three students to their fold as part of a bid to attract younger membership.

Three undergraduates entered the fraternity of Marlow Freemasons at a special ceremony at the Masonic centre in St Peter Street on Saturday.

Jed Russell 23, is a graduate of Bucks New University, Muhammed Ummar Malik, 19, is studying IT at Wycombe and Amersham College and Ishant Nathan Kapur, 24, is a trainee lawyer.

The assistant head of Marlow and Bucks Freemasons, Peter Moody, 59, of the Pound, Cookham, said: "Freemasonry is all about friendship, integrity and charity, so we are confident these three men will be excellent role-models for others in the years to come."

It was the first time that Marlow Lodge had ever seen so many recruits at one time.

And the recruitment is part of a new scheme to encourage undergraduates to widen their network of friends and raise money for good casues while still in full-time education.

More details at www.buckspgl.org