A “valued jewel” in Marlow’s crown was given a cash boost last week after a team of solicitors handed over a cheque to trustees to help keep the park open.

Gabbitas Robins, based on West Street, donated £6,387 to help improve and maintain Riley Park after running a will writing scheme.

Trustee chairman Tony Shannon said the cash will be used for a number of projects including cutting back shrubbery and flower planting, which is already underway.

He said: “the Trustees of this town park facility, are very pleased to accept the cheque.

"We take this opportunity to sincerely thank James Moore of Gabbitas Robins Solicitors who very effectively managed this successful scheme.

“Additionally, the Trustees wish to thank all those who took part in this scheme, thereby financially supporting this valued jewel of Marlow.”

The park – which separates Crown Road, Cambridge Road, Oxford Road and Riley Road - was left to the town in trust by Edward Riley in 1914 as a place for children to play safely.

Trustees celebrated its 100th birthday last year, with a heritage trail opened in the town centre park and a party to celebrate the milestone.

Mr Shannon said he hopes a project to plant year-round blooming flowers will encourage more of Marlow’s senior population to join families and children in enjoying the green space.

The trust, which looks after the park for Marlovians, became insolvent 12 years ago and was in danger of folding altogether.

And despite refilling the coffers since the Mr Shannon has warned that the park could be lost forever it cannot raise enough cash to cover maintenance costs.

He said: “We appreciate and value the ongoing essential support to the trust which helps us achieve the objective of ensuring that the trust does not fall back into a state of insolvency as it did twelve years ago.

“As the supermarkets advise ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’ and that is a reality in a delightful town surrounded by Green Belt.”