WORCESTER was buzzing with media activity when the city became the focus of national coverage for the forthcoming council elections.

BBC political heavyweight Mark Mardell and his film crew has been out and about talking residents, going out canvassing with activists from various parties and filming some of the council's services, including street sweepers.

He has also interviewed council chief executive David Wareing outside St John's Leisure Centre.

A spokesman for Worcester City Council put the visit down to "Worcester Woman Syndrome".

The city's reputation as a place that typifies middle England has often brought national media attention to the area during election times.

This focus hit its peak during the 1997 elections when Conservative party strategists said they needed to woo a particular type of voter, dubbed "Worcester Woman".

She was said to live in the Midlands, belong to the C2 socio-economic group, be married to a skilled labourer, such as a plumber or electrician, have a household income of £18,000 and take her holidays in Florida.

The media descended on the city to look for Worcester Woman and found Fran Richman, a traditional Tory supporter who switched her allegiance and voted Labour in 1997.

During the campaign Mrs Richman appeared on programmes including Newsnight, Radio Five Live, and the BBC News.

Her image was also beamed across the world by CNN and the BBC World Service and was featured in several national newspapers.

"Worcester is seen as very representative of what is going on nationally," the city council spokesman said.

"It is thought to be typical of middle England so they use it as an example of the national picture - a barometer if you like."

The BBC is expected to air the piece as part of its 6pm news programme tonight.