THIS could be the new sign which greets people entering the village of Claines.

The small village to the north of Worcester has been earmarked by Worcestershire County Council for a sign welcoming people to the area and also highlighting it as the home of Grand National winner Pineau De Re.

Claines became the focus of national attention after the 11-year-old horse romped home to victory at Aintree on Saturday, April 5.

Councillor John Smith, from Worcestershire County Council, said: "We are thrilled to be able to provide a welcome sign for Claines promoting the recent win of Pineau De Re at the Grand National 2014.

"This is a real positive for the area and we will be consulting locally about the look of the finished sign."

The draft image will be subject to consultation with the parish and councillors.

Rev Jo Musson, vicar at St John Baptist Church, said the addition of a sign would be great news for Claines.

"Claines is a strange mixture because it isn't quite a village and it isn't a suburb either and most people don't know they are entering it so it will be great to have a sign.

"I have only lived here for a year because I am quite new but I think people like living here because it is such an ancient place and has such deep rooted history.

"A new sign will let people know that this very ancient place is here but is also very contemporary too.

"Claines has lots of things on offer, there are so many different things going on and we have a lot of people coming from all over Worcester and Droitwich and all around to the church hall and for the services, the weddings and baptisms we hold.

"We have uniformed groups that meet here, the Legion, The Mug House, the school - there's lots of things going on."

A location for the sign has not been announced yet but Rev Musson said she would like to see it on the A449 Claines roundabout or on the Ombersley Road.