LIKE most people, I have accumulated quite a few heroes down the years. Come to think of it, there are probably scores of them filed away in that dusty old cupboard known as my head.

The first object of my adulation was Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier. The chronology then followed a logical course to take in the stars of 1950s western series, through the rock n' roll era, and then into what you might call the modern age.

The culture of hero is as old as the hills. The adored and admired have been celebrated down the centuries, from the Battle of Marathon to the Falklands War. They have been serenaded in folk ballads, lauded in ancient texts, and their modern equivalent is now to be found in showbiz and sport.

However, Worcester MP Mike Foster would appear to be different from other mortals, if we are to take his latest constituency bulletin seriously. Mike writes: "My heroes are not film or football stars. They are people like you who make a real contribution to our community."

Mike is creating an award for people whose work for the community in Worcester merits further appreciation. Every six months, Mike will present this prize to local people nominated by members of the public for their efforts on behalf of others.

He then goes on to give a few examples. Perhaps this person is a cleaner, bus driver, dinner lady, police officer or teacher. He then invites us to "nominate your hero for the Michael Foster MP community awards".

I don't doubt the sincerity of Mike's wish to highlight the work of those whose efforts sometimes go unnoticed. Nevertheless, I can't believe that he has no obvious hero figures. For that would seem to indicate a singular lack of imagination and I simply cannot accept this is the case.

I also noticed there was no mention of journalists on his list of those who might acquire hero status. Cut me, Mike do I not also bleed?