EFFORTS to revitalise a heritage canal town have been praised by leading development industry figures.

The continuing Market Towns Initiative in Stourport - currently undergoing a mutli-million pound regeneration - was singled out by delegates at the West Midlands Rural Affairs Conference.

The town’s development body Stourport Forward, with partners from organisations including Wyre Forest District Council, has been steering the project.

It was highlighted as a top example of partnership working, particularly for boosting funding of key projects including the canal basins restoration, the improvement of Sandy Lane Industrial Estate and enhancement of the town.

Stourport Forward has attracted funding from regional partners including The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Conference discussions were led by local radio presenter Eric Smith with a keynote speech by Nick Paul Chairman of Advantage West Midlands.

He said: "This is an important time of change to be debating the future prosperity of the region and we were delighted more than 100 delegates took part.

“The spirit of the conference was overwhelmingly positive and innovative.”