WORCESTER Mayor Coun Allah Ditta has been asked to lead a top-level delegation from the city to his former home - Kashmir.

The invite came during an informal dinner with Sardar Sikandar Hiyat Khan, President of Azad Jammur Kashmir, to discuss a number of key issues including increased tourism opportunities and integration in Worcester, as well as a "pet" plan to bring Kashmiri students to the city for education at UCW.

Coun Ditta is now "strongly considering" the offer - though he said he is unlikely to make the trip before the end of his mayoral year in May.

"I really hope it comes to something, perhaps later this year," he said.

The meeting, held in Dudley during a flying visit to the UK by the Kashmiri president, was one of several top-level sessions Coun Ditta has held with prominent politicians since being elected Worcester's 777th First Citizen last June.

In July, he travelled to the House of Lords to discuss his ideas with Dr Maleeha Lohdi, High Commissioner to Pakistan as well as Lord Ahmed of Rotherham and Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith.

Private audience

And early in December he had a private audience with Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf who also extended an invitation to discuss his scheme further both with himself and with his Education Minister.

"The impression I'm getting from these talks is all very positive, and I genuinely hope to be able to continue our dialogue on mutual issues before very long," Coun Ditta added.