IT was wonderful to read that Clifford T Ward's beautiful English ballad Home Thoughts From Abroad has just been voted the nation's fourth favourite song in a BBC poll.

The recognition of Clifford is long overdue. Hs songs have such depth and beauty they leave the listener in awe.

Like all of Clifford's songs, Home Thoughts takes you through heart-tugging emotions. His poetic lyrics are purely English - in fact, it's the only pop song to include the line "How is Worcestershire?"

Even the lush strings are mesmerising and bring to mind another Worcestershire composer, Sir Edward Elgar.

Clifford was England's finest, unique songwriter. You cannot help but admire his rare gift for writing imaginative songs of emotion, love, life, the pain of romance.

All his songs had thought- provoking, intelligent lyrics.

Not only were the words his art form, he also composed the gorgeous music, arranged and produced all his records. Clifford was a perfectionist and a genius. He was not a one-hit wonder.

He also charted with Scullery and charted in other countries, releasing 21 singles and 15 incredible albums.

He's the most exciting singer-songwriter ever to come out of Britain. I'd encourage any lover of beautiful songs to find out more about Clifford T Ward. He was exceptional.

JULIA JAMES,

Worcester.