The controversial 2012 logo has sparked a public debate

The attractions of the county and its proximity to London will be used to tempt teams to train in Shropshire.

But the jewel in the crown is Much Wenlock - the birthplace of the modern Olympics - which needs to be exploited to the full, the authority says.

This will mean digitising the archives on the town's Olympic links, and using the town name in merchandise.

Shropshire County Council hopes the Olympics in 2012 will also attract visitors to Shropshire.

A survey will be carried out to look at demands on local transport links, and a role could be created at the county council to co-ordinate activities.

Historical link

Much Wenlock is a real part of modern Olympic history.

A local doctor, William Penny Brookes, established the Much Wenlock Olympics in 1850 because of his belief in the importance of health and fitness.

The events included wheelbarrow racing and were very influential in the development of the modern Olympics in 1896 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who visited Much Wenlock.

Coubertain discussed how the Wenlock games might be translated on to a bigger, international stage.

The influential and wealthy Frenchman was suitably inspired and shared Brookes' dream of a modern, international games.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, then president of the International Olympic Committee, visited Much Wenlock in 1994 and laid a wreath at Brookes' grave, saying: "I came to pay homage and tribute to Dr Brookes, who really was the founder of the modern Olympic Games."