A piece of Marlow history is up for grabs next week after the town rallies round a crisis-hit radio station.

Offers of help have flooded in after community station Marlow FM were targeted by thieves last month and lost £9000 of transmitting equipment - equal to a year’s operating costs.

Listeners have pledged over £500, with an offer of £600 from Marlow Rotary Club and help from Marlow Freemasons.

Among the donations is the former Marlow Donkey Pub sign, which stood outside the Station Road watering hole for at least 30 years until a recent refurbishment.

It was given by tenant owners Ben and Hauxwell, who moved in to the pub last year.

And the generous publicans say they were only too happy to help by donating the historic sign, which regulars have previously offered to buy for £250.

Mr Hauxwell said: "We heard about them losing all their equipment and we just wanted to help them out any way we can.

"We like to try and be a big part of the community and it seemed the best way to contribute."

Mr and Mrs Hauxwell said they are regualrs listeners to the community station, and featured on air after taking over the reins at the Donkey.

It will now go under the hammer during a week-long auction, culminating in a live broadcast from the pub at lunchtime on Saturday, February 21.

Marlow FM presenter Paul Mansell, who will host the show, said: They have both been very supportive they’re a lovely couple and a real part of the community. There’s quite a few people interested, anyone interested in the history and regulars of course.

"It’s a lovely sign and a nice painting and it was hanging there for as long as I can remember. If I had the money I might buy it, but I’ll leave it to those with slightly deeper pockets.

It’s heartwarming the support we’ve had. It’s really gratifying to see listeners donating, even if it is just a fiver it’s all very much appreciated as we’re completely self funded. It’s great that people want to help.

The Marlow Donkey has stood at the gateway to the town since the 19th century to serve customers coming in and out of town on the railway line which shares its name.

The not-for-profit station will hold an open evening on February 24 at The Assembly Rooms in a bid to boost its pool of volunteers.

For more information visit www.marlowfm.co.uk/getinvolved