Medals for the people who made the Rugby World Cup a success for Leicester

The ordinary men and women who made last year's Rugby World Cup a success in Leicester have been given medals.

In October last year, more than 86,000 people enjoyed three world cup matches at King Power Stadium.

During the competition an army of volunteers made sure the fans got to the matches, helped make the Victoria Park Fanzone a success and organised many cultural events around the city.

They were handed medals by deputy city mayor Rory Palmer at the King Richard III visitor centre in Leicester.

Among them was Rhys Douglas, a 21-year-old Loughborough University student.

He said: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to do something like this and the atmosphere.

"I manned information points, co-ordinated the rugby-based activities at the Fanzone and generally made sure people were having a good time. It was great fun."

Papa Ndong, 51, of St Matthew's, who also volunteered at the Fanzone, said: "I was helping people to find their way around and generally trying to make sure people had a great experience.

"I felt really proud to live in Leicester."

Council staff, including traffic management officers and city wardens, also received medals for doing their bit.

City warden Caroline Walsh said: "We were there making sure the streets were clean and helping visitors and it was a lot of fun.

"We've had the pleasure of doing lots of things like this recently, with the Queen's visit and the Olympic Torch.

"It's brilliant to be able to show off Leicester to so many people."

There was also a special presentation to former Leicester Tigers and England hooker George Chuter, who worked to promote the competition as the city's Rugby World Cup ambassador.

Coun Palmer said: "In a week when Leicester welcomed the world, our staff and volunteers did the city proud. But we also want to recognise the contribution made by George, who went way above and beyond what could reasonably be expected of an unpaid ambassador.

"He attended dozens of events, took part in endless photo opportunities and encouraged hundreds of young people to share his love of rugby in the run-up to the tournament.

"We are extremely grateful."

Source: Text - Leicester Mercury. Image - Leicester City Council