A LETTER deploring the state of the Malvern Hills was published in the Gazette 60 years ago.

Stephen Ballard, of the well-known Colwall family, wrote that in years gone by, the hills were "coated with a very fine turf that was the envy of everyone that had a garden and was most delightful to walk on".

He said: "Now hundreds of acres of this have vanished and in its place we have gorse and bracken, and soon, as in so many places now, it will be quite impossible to walk."

The solution said Mr Ballard, was a systematic use of fire.

"If burned frequently, the fires are not so fierce and vegetation quickly restores the appearance, foxgloves invariably appearing."