A TENBURY Wells business has struck Olympic gold and is on the way to Athens.

Rural Productions Ltd, a live event company based on the town's business park, beat worldwide companies for the contract to design, construct and install the hospitality suite for the International Olympic Committee.

The company will also build a second Olympic village suite for the magazine Sports Illustrated America.

David Grant Special Events, the Australian-based company behind the project, has flown in two event producers to oversee final design and preparations at the Tenbury Wells workshop.

Managing director Mr Grant said: "We scoured the world for the best production company for our client's needs and Rural Productions came out far ahead of everyone else as our best option for creativity, ability and quality.

"Richard Penhaligon, Mike Nott, and the entire team at Rural Productions have had no trouble producing work which will dazzle our high profile Olympic clients in a way that is truly world class."

A delighted Mr Penhaligon, director of Rural Productions, said: "We are used to working all over the world and the Olympics will provide us with new challenges."

The Tenbury company employs six full-time staff and brings in additional workers when needed. A ten-strong team is travelling to Athens to install the two suites.

Two structures are being erected in the Olympic village, the smaller, 328sq yards for Sports Illustrated, will have a sports bar feel with high stools and rich dark colours. It will cater for 154 guests seated and 150 standing.

The International Olympic Committee's suite is 1,093sq yards in size, with a luxurious entrance hall in rich redwood laminates.

Inside, back-lit marble effect Perspex highlights a series of horseshoe bars. One side of the building is transparent and has a terraced area behind, plus a VIP area with luxurious furnishings and fittings.

Accommodating 300 guests at opening ceremonies and 250 at the closing ceremony, 400 people will enjoy the suite at peak times.