SATURDAY marks the start of the 1,000-day countdown to the opening ceremony at London 2012.

To coincide with the milestone, the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Olympic Ambassador Group is being launched to raise the profile of local athletes.

It is designed to promote past, current and future Olympians either born in the two counties or who now live in the area as well as Olympic-themed events.

The current ambassadors are Christina Boxer (athletics), Rachel Walker (hockey), Naomi Folkard (archery), Liam Kileen (mountain biking), Jess Varnish (cycling) and Kate Walker (judo).

In addition, there is also Claire Cashmore (paralympic swimming), Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis (paralympic swimming) and the British and English blind football team.

Boxer, a triple Olympic runner who is now head of sports development at Malvern College, said: “Experiencing the Olympics as a competitor, volunteer or spectator is unforgettable and those who have witnessed its magic can do so much to inspire other people, especially young children, and help them to live their dreams.

“To have as many Olympians as possible visiting our local schools and communities can create such a positive attitude towards sport, activity and culture and so I am delighted to be involved with this ambassador programme.”

Peter Turvey and Steve Ashton, the respective Olympic Opportunities Co-ordinators for Worcestershire and Herefordshire, want to hear from anyone keen to put on an Olympic-themed event or get support from an abassador.

For more information contact either pturvey@worcestershire.gov.uk or sashton1@herefordshire.gov.uk.