The Queen's Royal officials have taken to the waters in their skiffs once again to carry out the annual swan census and will arrive in Marlow later today.

The tradition, which dates back to the 12th century and has been held every year except in 2012 due to floods, will return to Marlow again today and tomorrow morning.

Swan Upping plays an important role in the conservation of the mute swan along the River Thames and involves The Queen’s Swan Warden collecting data, assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries.

The Royal Swan Uppers will get to Marlow Lock at 5.30pm today (July 18) and depart from Marlow Bridge tomorrow morning at 9am.