SIR Edward Elgar is closest to the hearts of readers when they think about the county, according to a Worcester News poll.

As his statue stands proud in the Faithful City, his memory stands at the top of the list of the 12 icons of Worcestershire, as voted for by you.

Last week we asked readers to choose the images they thought best summed up Worcestershire, following a Government initiative called ICONS - A Portrait of England, which invited people to come up with symbols that create a picture of England.

The legendary composer, who is famous for his much-loved works, including the Cello Concerto, was by far the most popular icon in our poll.

Catherine Sloan of the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Lower Broadheath said: "It just shows what Elgar and his music meant to the people of Worcestershire and how important it is that we have a museum that celebrates his life that is open to the public.

"It is very important at the moment, because next year we celebrate 150 years since his birth."

Royal Worcester Porcelain was hot on the composer's heels, coming in a close second.

Since it began manufacturing fine quality china on the banks of the River Severn more than 250 years ago, Royal Worcester pieces have been sold worldwide and are hot property for many collectors.

Coming in close behind at number three was the glorious Malvern Hills, a popular haunt for many walkers.

Adding a bit of flavour at number four was Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, followed closely by Worcester Cathedral.

Other close contenders included the River Severn, the Malvern sports car maker Morgan and Berrow's Worcester Journal, sister paper of the Worcester News.