THE Queen may be unveiling a statue of Sir Steve Redgrave in Marlow's Higginson Park as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh will be visiting Marlow on May 10 when the Lord Lieutenant Sir Nigel Mobbs will be hosting a garden party in Higginson Park with a 'care in the community' theme.

The elderly, disabled and their carers will be brought in from across Bucks to take part in the party.

And with the bronze Sir Steve Redgrave statue expected to be ready by May hopes are high that Her Majesty will officially unveil the larger-than-life sculpture.

The exact details of the jubilee day are still under wraps but the Lord Lieutenant's Office is reported to be considering an official unveiling.

As Marlow's most prominent resident and a Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sir Steve is likely to be there in person to meet The Queen.

Her Majesty is only visiting two towns on her tour of Bucks Marlow and Aylesbury. After the garden party in Marlow she is set to cross the river and visit Bisham Abbey Sports Centre. Her visit will coincide with Berkshire's Golden Youth where cultural and sporting organisations from across Berkshire will showcase the activities pursued by youngsters.

Marlow Town Mayor Maurice Oram may well be responsible for meeting and greeting The Queen on behalf of the people of the town on the day.

He said: "It is a great honour. I'm sure that all the people in the town are looking forward to May 10."

The garden party will be fenced off for invited guests but huge crowds are expected to fill Higginson Park to witness The Queen's arrival. The event could be even bigger than the popular Sir Steve Redgrave Day in October 2000 where thousands lined the streets to give the Olympic gold medallist a hero's welcome.

This is the first time The Queen has visited Marlow town. She has come close in the past with a river trip at Marlow Lock and a visit to the Compleat Angler Hotel in 1997 to greet the President of Hungary.

Howard Bellairs, clerk of Marlow Town Council, said: "Organisation is well under way for the visit and other events going on in the town to mark the occasion.

"I'm sure it will be an excellent day that will live on in people's memory."