OVER the last few months, this newspaper has watched with great interest the dramatic changes that have been taking place in Worcester.

We make no apology for this enthusiasm, for it is our heartfelt belief that the Faithful City is currently undergoing a renaissance that will ultimately close a chapter of post-war dereliction and neglect.

Various housing projects now filling ugly gaps on the city's skyline most certainly meet with our approval. It is vital that we draw a line, once and for all, underneath the mistakes of the past. Indeed, we believe there is a pattern developing. For Phoenix-like, Worcester is starting to rise from the ashes of what went before and - dare we say it - becoming a more sophisticated place.

The possible arrival of top chef Shaun Hill at this fortuitous time is therefore the nearest thing we have to manna from Heaven. This is the man who almost single-handedly turned around the gastronomic fortunes of our near-neighbour, Ludlow. The transformation of the Merchant House into a first-rate eaterie is the stuff of legends, rated not just by the foodie elite, but also by the discerning customer requiring something other than the regulation duck a l'orange and sole meuniere.

Put quite simply, we're talking about style - a condition that tends to be very infectious. So if this master of the culinary arts does move into premises in Sidbury, you can rest assured that nothing will ever be the same again. We lick our lips in anticipation of the first course in this new era.