A NEW group has been launched to promote Worcestershire as a place to live, work and do business.

Guests met at Worcester Cathedral to launch the Worcestershire 1000, made up of companies, organisations and individuals from across the county.

Notable faces attending the launch included Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire Lt. Col Patrick Holcroft, former England and Worcester Warriors rugby player Nick Baxter and Iona Darroch, who plays netball for Severn Stars and England, all among the first members of the 1000.

Lt. Col Holcroft said: "As Lord-Lieutenant of this great county, which has been my home since I was a boy, I wholeheartedly welcome this excellent initiative and I am delighted to support Worcestershire 1000 and what it is seeking to achieve."

Gary Woodman, chief executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership said: "Worcestershire is a county we all love but often when you go to other parts of the country, you often get 'where's that?'

"We are working to sign up 1,000 people across the region to sign up and use our branding to get the word out.

"We have some great industries here whether Morgan cars, Worcestershire Sauce, Royal Worcester Porcelain or cyber security businesses.

"We want there to be a real communality in how the businesses and groups across the county promote themselves."

Cllr John Smith, from Worcestershire County Council, said: "It is fantastic to be here and in such a wonderful place with such a beautiful cathedral.

"We really are lucky to have such a great sporting and business community, all of which make this county a great place to be."