I AM certain that all your readers will support me in offering the biggest of congratulations to local hero Steve Redgrave, and his team mates Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell and Tim Foster, in their outstanding gold medal win at this year's Olympic Games.

I AM certain that all your readers will support me in offering the biggest of congratulations to local hero Steve Redgrave, and his team mates Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell and Tim Foster, in their outstanding gold medal win at this year's Olympic Games.

For Steve - the first athlete in the world to win five consecutive gold medals in an endurance event, and the first British athlete ever to win five gold medals - his ability and reputation is internationally unprecedented.

As locals to Steve's home town, we are all the more aware and proud of his achievement.

Steve, we know, is looking forward to returning home to Marlow and naturally we too are keen for his return.

In time honoured tradition, Wycombe District Council, Marlow Town Council, with businesses and residents of the town, are organising a welcome home party on October 21.

An open top bus will take Steve from his home in Marlow Bottom, through Marlow town along the High Street and into Higginson Park, where everyone is invited to join us in welcoming Steve home in style!

So please dust off your flags, tune your vocal chords and join us on October 21 in welcoming home the man whose incredible determination in overcoming every challenge, and commitment to the sport of rowing, has been inspirational to us all!

The event is to be held in Higginson Park and will include an open top bus tour for Steve from his home in Marlow Bottom at 10am, taking him down Marlow's High Street and into the park. There, the crowd will hear a public address by Steve Redgrave.

Local radio station elevenSEVENTY will be performing a road show, with other roving entertainment circulating through the crowd.

Marlow saw Steve return from the last Olympics to much acclaim. Thousands lined the High Street and packed Higginson Park to welcome the hero home.

Steve Redgrave has proven time and again he is truly a world-class sportsman in a category of his own. He is an inspiration to everyone, and it's a great honour to be able to welcome him home after his latest victory.

Cllr David Cox

Chairman

Wycombe District Council