OLYMPIC legend, Marlow Bottom's very own Sir Steve Redgrave, will officially open the valley's brand new revamped playing fields next week.

The record gold medal winning rower will be joined by Wycombe MP Steve Baker next Friday to cut the ribbon at the previously run down play area.

The site was riddled by vandalism and even arson in recent years, leaving many pieces of equipment and rides in such bad condition that it became unsafe to use.

But after many years of seeking out funding from various grant giving groups and raising cash on their own Marlow Bottom Playing Fields committee succeeded in getting the £60,000 needed.

The hard-working mums and dads behind the committee raised £30,000 and the rest was match funded.

Committee spokesman Jason Batten said it was great to see the fields being used by so many children after five years.

It was opened to the public last month.

“It's all looking brilliant and we have increased the footfall there already by tenfold,” Mr Batten said.

“People are making a beeline to it and the equipment is being used to its fullest extent.”