WORCESTERSHIRE'S Rio 2016 Olympic stars are set to become some of the first recipients of a prestigious new award.

As part of its World Class Worcestershire initiative, the county council wants to celebrate people who have championed the county and helped raise its profile with the new Black Pear Award.

The Black Pear appears on the county's flag, can be seen in the council chamber at County Hall and is proudly worn by the county's professional cricketers.

On Friday, Olympic rower Alex Gregory and Paralympians Claire Cashmore, Lauren Rowles, Becky Redfern and GB wheelchair basketball men’s head coach, Haj Bhania, will be presented with their awards during a ceremony at Evesham Rowing Club. Members of the public are welcome to attend and cheer the athletes on as they collect their awards.

Mr Gregory, from Evesham, won gold in the men's coxless fours rowing in Rio.

He said: "The support I've received from Worcestershire is not just a recent thing.

"I've been supported since first taking up rowing at Evesham Rowing Club 16 years ago.

"The journey has not been straightforward and through many difficult times the messages of support from people in the county have meant everything to me.

"Now I can repay that support with two Olympic Gold medals, a part of which belong to the people of Worcestershire. It's truly an honour to receive a Worcestershire Black Pear tree."

Claire Cashmore, from Redditch, who returned home from Rio with gold in the women's 4x100m medley relay and silver in the women's SB8 100m breaststroke, said: "Receiving this prestigious award is a great honour and something I will treasure forever.

"I want to say a massive thank you to all of Worcestershire for your support."

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for localism and communities, said: "The black pear is synonymous with Worcestershire and a fitting way to celebrate the achievements of our local heroes.

"Our sporting heroes certainly fit the bill with their amazing Olympic and Paralympic successes making them the perfect people to pick up this new Worcestershire award."

More Black Pear Award winners will be announced shortly and members of the public are being asked to nominate anyone they feel has championed the county. To make a nomination visit worldclassworcestershire.co.uk.