MARLOW Town Council has apologised for the gaffe which saw it fail to honour the town's war heroes on VE Day.

Sunday, May 8, marked the 60th anniversary of the Allies' victory in Europe, however, the fact that no flag was raised at Marlow's war memorial stunned members of the community.

Resident Tom Walsh accused the local authority of double standards in sending two members to Marlow's twin town, Marley-Le-Roi, in France, for a special service.

Mr Walsh, of Oak Tree Road, said: "I think it's hypocrisy and the town council should be ashamed.

"It was official enough for them to send two representatives to France but not enough to raise a flag."

Andy Greig, club chairman at Marlow's Royal British Legion, said: "I think it's disgusting. For them not to raise a flag is an outrage. My father was in the war and for him, and others, not to be recognised is a disgrace."

The Legion held its own party which more than 300 people, including some of the town's last remaining war veterans, attended.

Brian Simmons, branch secretary, was surprised the day hadn't been officially recognised by Marlow's elected representatives.

"It's very important that these events are celebrated," he said. "I would have expected the town council to have done something."

Peter Boulton, from the town council, said not flying the flag was a mistake and steps had been taken to prevent such a mistake happening again.

He said: "Normally we get a sheet from the Home Office telling us the days when the flag should be shown and this day wasn't on the sheet.

"We should have realised and raised the flag ourselves and we apologise for that. We will be flying the flag on VJ day later this summer in honour of the allies victory in Japan.

"We will make sure we don't miss it again."