HOLLYWOOD movie maker Steven Spielberg has sent a message of support for a prestigious exhibition to be held in Worcester.

The director of Schindler's List - a story about the Holocaust, has said he is "delighted" that the Anne Frank Exhibition will be seen in the city.

He is patron of the exhibition, which has travelled around the world.

It will arrive at Worcester's Cathedral in the New Year and is expected to be visited by thousands of people.

The message was addressed simply to "the people of Worcester".

"As patron of the Anne Frank Trust I am delighted that the Anne Frank Exhibition will be coming to Worcester," said Mr Spielberg.

"In light of the current state of the world, the need to challenge intolerance is more vital than ever.

"It is particularly important that children and young people in our neighbourhoods begin to understand why prejudice should be recognised and eliminated.

"I hope that everyone in Worcestershire who can will make it to the Cathedral in the city centre to see this thought-provoking exhibition.

"I hope it will help them to give a little of their time to thinking about how they can, in their own small way, make a difference."

Forty thousand schoolchildren have already been signed up to visit the exhibition, which documents the life of a teenage Jewish girl whose diary catalogued her family's suffering and ultimately their murder.

"We're delighted that Mr Spielberg found the time to send such a personal message to the people of Worcester," said Tom Preston at Worcestershire County Council, who along with Steve Paddock at PR firm Market Link approached Mr Spielberg.

"The points he makes are very relevant to the exhibition, especially during these difficult times.

"We're already expecting a great turn-out in January, but we all feel that the exhibition is so important that anything that helps to raise its profile is terrific news."

The exhibition will run from Monday, January 7 until Monday, January 28 in Worcester Cathedral.