Two Great Marlow School students have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community after jointly receiving a prestigious Rotary Club of Marlow award.

The Lance Slater Memorial Award for Best Potential Citizen was presented to Zoe Nicholls and Lewis Balbini during the school's recent Celebration of Success event.

Usually awarded to a single student, judges decided both recipients deserved recognition this year.

Senior judge Mike Jones said: "All the candidates were exemplary and showed the Rotary ideals of Service Before Self.

"After much debate it was decided that both Zoe and Lewis should be given awards for their outstanding work in the community."

Zoe was recognised for her work with Marlow Meals, while Lewis was honoured for his involvement with the Bourne End Community Association.

The Rotary Club of Marlow has presented the Best Potential Citizen Award for almost 50 years.

Among its former recipients is Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave, who won the award in 1978 and later said it gave him a significant boost to his self-belief.

In 2023, the award was renamed in memory of Lance Slater, a Rotarian who organised the initiative for many years.

The awards were presented by Lance's widow, Pauline Slater, alongside Rotary Club of Marlow president Reg Markham.

Rotary members thanked Great Marlow School for its continued support, and paid tribute to students and staff for their commitment to the programme.

Special thanks were also given to Owen Hollyman for shortlisting candidates and facilitating the interview process.