Lord Salisbury, the seventh Marquess of Salisbury who owns Hatfield House, hopes to spearhead a campaign which it is estimated could be worth up to £100 million in benefits to Hertfordshire.

He said: "I am delighted to offer my support to the partnership as we all work together to achieve a lasting legacy for Hertfordshire from the London 2012 Games."

Lord Salisbury, 63, is already the Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, who are involved in the Olympic partnership.

He said: "The university has already been heavily involved in maximising the opportunities offered by the Games.

"I very much look forward to being involved in ensuring that everyone who lives, works, studies in or visits our county benefits to the greatest possible extent from the fact that we are holding an Olympic event here.”

The Hertfordshire Is Ready For Winners Partnership is made up of a number of organisations, including the County Council, the University, the police and Welwyn Hatfield Council.

Derrick Ashley, the County Councillor who is Hertfordshire's Executive Member for Planning, said: "It is a great honour for the partnership to have Lord Salisbury as our patron and with his support we look forward to increasing both our own momentum and working to achieve the many opportunities for Hertfordshire which the Olympics and Paralympics offer."

Hertfordshire have already concluded a deal for the British Virgin Islands to base themselves in the County before London 2012 and are also in negotiations with St Kitts and Nevis.


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June 2009: Hertfordshire signs up first team for London 2012