MANY of Worcester's traditional industries have taken a hammering in recent times.

As companies struggle to meet the emerging challenges of eastern Europe and the Far East, some tough decisions have had to be made.

There is no doubt that the mixed fortunes of Cosworths, Royal Porcelain - and latterly, Carmichaels - have created a certain degree of tension throughout the Faithful City and its environs.

Worcester workers are as good as any in the country. There is understandable dismay when a family's breadwinner arrives home in the evening bearing bad tidings.

But we should all take heart from the news today that Webbs of Wychbold will soon be creating 70 job opportunities.

The award-winning garden centre near Droitwich is set to embark on a £5m expansion, trebling its existing area and making the firm one of the largest independent garden centres in Britain.

Webbs is a family business that goes back to the middle of the 19th Century when Edward Webb was a successful agricultural seeds merchant.

It is a company built on tradition, sound principles and, as many a Worcestershire gardener will confirm, has a long history of meeting the horticulturalist's every requirement.

This newspaper salutes Webbs' bold venture. It is a vote of confidence in a troubled working environment that desperately needed some good news.