June 13, 1998: OLYMPIC rower Steve Redgrave backed Great Marlow School's plans for a new sports hall when he appeared on London Tonight on Tuesday.

Steve appeared on the Carlton news programme, which was filmed live from Higginson Park.

Former Great Marlow pupil Steve was among the guests on the half-hour show and gave his views on the hall after current pupils showed their video diary about their need for sports facilities.

Headteacher Paul Howson was asked to do a voice-over during his pupils' part of the programme. He said after seeing the programme: "I thought our pupils came across extremely well. I was very pleased with it."

Mr Howson said the school was very pleased with Steve Redgrave's endorsement of their scheme, which goes before Wycombe District Council planners in two weeks.

Other issues on the programme included affordable housing and included an interview with Ian Rhodes, of Berkeley Homes.

Marlow mayor Cllr Jim Campbell joked about the programme: "They should have asked the mayor of Marlow to speak." He said: "I saw the last 20 minutes and it looked brilliant. It showed it as a very desirable place to live."

Peter Diplock, chairman of Marlow Society said: "It was interesting to see what they included. Some things they included were a bit of a surprise. It's interesting to see what they latch on to."