Marlow's 'Tree of Hope' is returning for the Christmas period in a bid to raise money for local charities.

After a successful first year in 2020 in which a £1000 was raised, Marlow Thames Rotary Club has launched the tree again next to the war memorial in the Causeway.

Locals can dedicate a message to loved ones on the rotary club's website and they will decorate the tree with dedication tags and lights.

The chosen charities this year are Thames Hospice, Marlow Opportunity Playgroup and the Young Adult Carers Bucks.

Marlow Town Mayor Richard Scott said: “This fantastic idea was a great success in lockdown 2020.

"I am really pleased that the Marlow Thames Rotary Club is repeating the effort, and I urge all those connected with our Town to join together to ensure they make an expression of goodwill.

"This would really make a difference to some very deserving good causes.”

Steve Berry, President of Marlow Thames Rotary Club said: “We were very pleasantly surprised by the response in 2020, and this idea seems to fit very much with the times we live in.

"It combines a real tree in the centre of Marlow – lit up for Xmas – with an online messaging and giving opportunity.

"The costs have entirely been born by the Marlow Thames Rotary Club – so every single penny raised goes straight through to the selected charities.

"We really hope that members of the public will support us in adding some brightness to these rather gloomy days.”