READERS of the Berrow's Journal, sister paper of the Evening News, will have food for thought when they receive a new guide in tomorrow's edition.

Worcester's latest Eating Out Guide, which is produced jointly by the city council and Worcester Tourism Association, is being distributed to 20,000 homes in the world's oldest newspaper, established in 1690.

Another 10,000 copies will be available through the Tourism Information Centre at the Guildhall.

The number of new entries included indicates the city is thriving, according to the assistant tourism and marketing manager, Clare Booker.

"The success of catering establishments is a recognised barometer of how well a location is faring," she said.

"With more than 81 entries in this year's 24-page guide - including several names new to the city - the indication is that the economy is doing well and investors are willing to support new ventures in Worcester."

Tourism manager Andrea Watkins said the number of new foreign restaurants opening in the city was especially interesting, with Sidbury, Friar Street and New Street becoming a cosmopolitan treasure trove for diners.

The latest figures show that Worcester attracted more than 2.5m daytrippers and short-stay visitors last year, spending £89m in the city and supporting 2,571 tourism-related jobs.