THE Worcester pilot who captained the British Airways jet which crash-landed at Heath-row, has received hundreds of letters, cards and e-mails from well-wishes across the world.

Over the past week Peter Burkill has been replying to each and every one.

His wife, Maria, aged 33, said: "It has been quite touching the number of people who have taken time out and Pete has wanted to say thank you to them.

"We just cannot believe the number of people who have felt compelled to put pen to paper, find an address and send it to us."

Mr Burkill, aged 43, of King Stephen's Mount, St John's, Worcester, was the captain of the British Airways Boeing 777 flight from Beijing which crash-landed at London's Heathrow airport on Thursday, January 17.

The landing is still being investigated by British Airways and he is therefore unable to speak to, or be photographed by, your Worcester News.

Here are snippets taken from some of the letters.

l "I think you did really well to get the Boeing 777 to land at Heathrow airport when the engine cut out.

"You also did well not to kill anyone. I think everyone will appreciate your bravery." Arrun Mullany, aged 11, from Manchester.

l "A big thank you to you and your crew from the residents of Green Man Lane, in Bedford. We are indebted to you all.

"You saved our lives as all incoming flights at the end of the south runway fly directly over our houses seconds away from the runway. Bless you all." P Sanders.

l "Many thanks for my safe landing on BA 38 and congratulations on a job very well done. Maybe you will enjoy this after your next curry.

"Hope I can fly with you again soon." signed Michael 14K, the card accompanied a bottle of whisky.

l "I want to write to you and thank you for your bravery in dealing with the recent crash at Heathrow and for ensuring the plane landed without loss of life. Your professionalism, skills and determination meant that the lives of hundreds were saved. You and your colleagues have much to be proud of and you are true heroes. Many congratulations on your bravery." Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

l "I would like you to join me for Christmas dinner," Andy Park, famous for celebrating Christmas every day of the year.

l A sociology lecturer from Portsmouth University, who taught Mr Burkill 22-years-ago, wrote: "I want to say congratulations and give thanks for your safety for what could have been an awful accident.

"Your passengers will be eternally grateful for having had such a crew as you and your colleagues."

l Gerry Shipley, Mr Burkill's flight instructor in 1989, wrote: "I thought I might send this note simply to express my admiration for your professionalism in coping so well with an extraordinary occurence. I am genuinely proud to be able to claim that I played a small part in your early training."