TOURISM and trade in Worcestershire could be set for a big boost with the announcement the county is being sold as a potential destination to support the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics.

Previous experiences learned from Games gone by suggest the benefits of London 2012 will be felt right across the nation, and Worcestershire is now in a better position to enjoy such benefits with the appointment of an Olympics Co-ordinator for the county.

Peter Turvey has been given the task of making the most of selling Worcestershire and its attractions to would-be visitors with the possibility of even hosting some paralympic events at places such as Worcester Rowing Club, Sixways, and the Three Counties Showground, near Malvern.

The London Organising Committee has estimated that between 50 and 75 per cent of the benefit of staging the biggest sporting event in world is likely to come from tourism, something Mr Turvery wants Worcestershire to capitalise on.

"The Games are a chance for the people of Worcestershire and its visitors to be enriched with a fusion of culture, art, environment and sport," he said. "Sydney 2000 revealed that visitors would travel far outside the host city to make the most of a once-in-lifetime trip. I'm also hoping to encourage people of all ages to volunteer, not only for local events but for the London games as well."

He said the Games are also an opportunity to raise awareness of sport and physical activity, and said local businesses could also benefit from the contracts available in the build up to the Games, estimated to be worth in excess of £25bn.

"I want to ensure our locals businesses are in a competitive position and fit to supply," he said.

Mr Turvey's position is jointly funded by member organisations of the Worcestershire Partnership - an organisation that brings together local government, public services, the voluntary and community sector and business to work together to improve life in Worcestershire - which includes Worcestershire County Council, the six district councils and the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.