A LAVISH lunch was laid on for Marlow war heroes, service veterans and their guests at a celebration of the town’s rich military history on Saturday.

Mayor Suzanne Brown hosted 85 guests at Marlow Town Council’s annual Remembrance Lunch at Court Garden.

Guests included Station Commander, Group Captain Frank Clifford CBE, John Chapman, President of Marlow’s British Legion and Branch Chairman Shaun Murphy.

Firefighters from Marlow Fire Station were also invited, alongside their French counterparts from twin town Marly-le-Roi.

Group Captain Clifford gave the Loyal Toast, with Mayor Brown thanking the veterans for their role in fighting for our freedom and leading the toasts to them, and others lost in conflict.

Mayor Brown said: "It was an honour and privilege to host the veterans lunch. Without hope we would not have the peace of today and to remember absent friends who could not need with us.

"Everyone was very appreciative, particularly as we are one of the few councils that continue this tradition."

For the first time this year, two awards were presented at the lunch in recognition of two town treasures.

The first was handed to Richard Boast on behalf of the people of Marlow for 30 years dedicated service to the fire service.

And an award to the Mayor's outgoing Cadet Escort, David Bliss, was couple with an official army badge for his services in carrying out the role assisting the Mayor at official functions.

Mr Boast said he was "speechless" when he received the award from Mayor Brown.

The 58-year-old, who heads up the part-time team at Marlow Fire Station, said he had no idea he was due to be recognised at the annual lunch.

He said: "I didn't know it was coming, it was more than a surprise.

"I'm doing a job I love and to be recognised for that and to stand up there in front of a room full of veterans was very humbling.

"It's so nice to get knowing it's come from the Mayor and just totally unexpected. A lot of the people who know me say it's the first time they've ever seen me speechless! I'm very touched."

Mr Boast took part with his firefighting team in Sunday's Remembrance Parade and said it was the biggest he had ever been involved with.

He was joined at Saturday's lunch by his counterparts from twin town Marly-Le-Roi, who he has struck up close personal friendships with over his 30 years with the service.

And the hardworking firefighter accompanied the Mayoral party to northern France for its own Remembrance commemorations on Tuesday.