WORCESTER'S most famous son was an outsider whose talent was unrecognised for too long, according to the latest addition to the team at the Elgar Birthplace Museum.

Elizabeth Pimblett, the museum's new education officer, will be in charge of creating activities for children to learn more about the composer.

"Elgar's story is fascinating," said Ms Pimblett.

"We tend to think of him as the ultimate Englishman.

"In fact, to begin with, he was a social outsider, a tradesman's son and a Catholic, whose real genius went unrecognised for too long.

"The museum's archives hold papers and photographs that go right back to his childhood.

"Choosing items to use with schools is going to be very enjoyable."

Ms Pimblett will be working to make the museum at Lower Broadheath more child-friendly.

"We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth to the team," said museum director Catherine Sloan.