TWO long standing helpers of Marlow Regatta were honoured after they stepped down from their duties.

Dr James Hayter and and retired police inspector Martin Bolton were presented with pewter tankards, usually given out to winners of top regatta events, at Marlow Rowing Club last Wednesday.

Tony Evans, regatta secretary, said: "Both Insp Bolton and Dr Hayter have been very important in the running of the event."

Dr Hayter was medical officer for the event for 27 years and stepped down this year to allow someone new to take over. The Marlow GP and distinguished oarsman, dealt with incidents the Red Cross or St John Ambulance needed help in or when rowers fell ill.

Mr Evans said: "He has always done his job quietly and without much fuss."

Mr Bolton, who left the police force last year, policed the event for many years. Mr Evans said: "At times this has been a difficult and taxing job. We had a few problems in 1996 and it is of great credit to him how it was handled and the subsequent messages that were put out by him meant we have not had a repeat performance."

The regatta committee now needs two new medical officers for the Marlow Regatta at Dorney Lake, Eton, on June 23.