WORCESTERSHIRE'S rich Civil War history could result in it having the best battlefield tourist sites in the world, believe archaeologists and historians.

Between 1642 and 1651, there were major battles in Worcester, Powick, Upton-upon-Severn and Ripple, as well as fighting in Kidderminster and Ombersley, troop gatherings in Evesham and skirmishes in open fields across the county.

An ambitious bid for lottery cash to put monuments at each site, with a history CD and book to inform and guide visitors, had a positive start at a meeting on Tuesday.

English Civil War experts joined Malvern Hills, Worcester and Worcestershire council representatives, and Kempsey and Powick parish councillors, in a major partnership bid to cash in on the county's 17th Century history.

Dilip Sarkar, an author, local historian and founder member of the Battle of Worcester Memorial campaign, said: "If we think big we could create the best battlefield tourist attraction known to man.

"The history is there. Those people who fought the battle of Worcester have done the hard work for us. If we can't co-ordinate the politicians to get this done it's a poor show."

County archaeological officer Malcolm Atkin added: "It is a great way of using the Battle of Worcester as a hook to attract long-staying visitors."

The meeting was chaired by Mayor of Worcester Aubrey Tarbuck, and held in his parlour at the Guildhall.

While all involved supported the idea, practical concerns were voiced over sites which had been built over or were privately owned and over who will maintain the trail.

David Wareing, city council chief executive, said: "If we are going to make this work we need to make it a priority in the council's tourism strategy.

"I'm sure it can be done but there's a lot of work to do."

The group agreed to contact the Battlefields Trust for advice on the Lottery application and for a task force to put detailed plans on paper, to be considered by everyone at the next meeting.