How amazing were the Olympics?

I can't believe that we exceeded our medal haul from London 2012 and beat China to second place in the overall medal table!

Not bad for a small island.

Congratulations to everyone who helped the team to their stunning success in Rio and made us so very proud. As I write this, our sports stars are winning yet more medals in the Paralympics Games, too.

They are an inspiration to us all and I hope that you join me in celebrating their outstanding efforts over this memorable summer.

Politicians including our new Prime Minister, Theresa May, managed to get away for a bit of a break during August, although not all at the same time.

Those who opted for staycations have been rewarded with lovely warm weather and the UK looking its loveliest.

It's also wonderful that all across Worcestershire people work very hard to put on a range of superb events and festivals including the famous Tenbury Sow and the upcoming Applefest. All of these events bring visitors to the region spending money in local shops, pubs and restaurants.

As Ministers work through the implications of Brexit, there has been a welcome announcement from the Treasury.

Scientists, universities, local government and farmers all receive significant funding directly from the EU.

They were uncertain about the implications of Brexit for this long-term commitment. The confirmation that these funds will be protected until 2020 and any new funding agreed before this year’s Autumn Statement will also be protected has given a degree of certainty to those recipients.

In the longer term, the UK will have to work out exactly how these important parts of our local economy are supported. It's good that we have Worcester MP Robin Walker helping us to develop solutions to all these issues.

Earlier in the month, the Government announced a new Tourism Action Plan to propel the UK ahead of its competitors in the race to attract visitors.

The plan featured a £40 million fund designed to ensure the nation remains a world-beating destination for holidaymakers.

With this announcement, we are making it easier for visitors to travel beyond London and experience all of the world-class attractions the UK has to offer, to make sure the benefits of this thriving industry are felt by the many and not the few.