HERE's a question: What does Worcester have in common with Rome? Answer: Both cities were built on hills and are situated next to major rivers.

This is not as flip as it sounds. True, we cannot claim an ancient ampitheatre or equal the sweeping majesty of the Spanish Steps. All the same, we can boast an impressive history with a cultural heritage and countryside to match.

We would like to think that these factors - combined with Worcester's proximity to the motorway system - provide a package that visitors cannot resist.

The tourists appear to agree. For while numbers undoubtedly fluctuate, today's revelation that our guests are splashing out more and more cash is very good news indeed.

This newspaper is convinced that the Faithful City's future prosperity lies in diversification. Much as we would like to turn back the clock, the hard fact is that the old industries which once placed us firmly on the map have disappeared.

The best we can hope for is that every effort is made to arrest the decline of our surviving manufacturing enterprises.

Worcester is now a fairly large provincial city, yet open fields are never far away. It is, for example, possible to view the tomb of King John in the Cathedral and be enjoying the serenity of Chapter Meadows minutes later.

This dichotomy will not have been lost on those who seek our busy thoroughfares yet also yearn for quieter backwaters. We must now build on this winning combination.