A train enthusiast who researched the background of Marlow’s railway will receive a slice of history from the route after his family won a charity auction following a chance encounter.

Last month, the Free Press reported Marlow FM’s auction off the historic former sign for the Marlow Donkey pub - which shares the affectionate title of the nearby railway line.

It was donated by publicans Ben and Esther Hauxwell to be sold after an equipment theft at the radio station last month.

And entirely by chance, Marie Williamson - whose father is a steam train enthusiast - spotted the auction details when they popped into the Donkey or lunch during a day out to Marlow.

Business analyst Mrs Williamson said: "My husband saw the poster about the auction and suggested we make a bid to give it to my father.

"He has a big interest in steam trains, they live up in Lincolnshire but has dug up history up on the Marlow Donkey line. He’s bought me books on it.

"We are going to give it to him on his 65th birthday in April. It’s a real coincidence; we went in for a quiet drink and came out with a pub sign. It’s definitely for a good cause."

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

The pub sign, which Mrs Williamson said she hopes will take pride of place on her father's wall, stood outside the Station Road watering hole for at least 30 years until a recent refurbishment.

The family's winning bid of £265 will go towards replacing £8000 worth of equipment stolen in last month’s burglary.

Last Saturday, Marlow FM presenter Paul Mansell presented his show live from the Marlow Donkey as he announced the auction winner.

He said: “I’m very pleased, I was on tenterhooks because you plan these things and you never know how it will go, but it’s just an amazing story how it panned out. We couldn’t ask for a better result.

“It’s great that they will appreciate it, it’s a win win for all concerned. It was great to do the live broadcast form the pub as well, it went down really well.”