SIR - I read with interest your suggestions for 'icons of Worcestershire'. I think that there are two more important aspects of Worcestershire that should not be overlooked.

Worcestershire, in particular the north of the county, was at the forefront of the industrial revolution and spawned many world-famous manufacturing companies. The Earl of Dudley, who lived in the county, was a pioneer in the field of steelmaking - a company bearing his name still operates a major foundry, in Dudley, to this day.

Another famous county family was the Baldwins, also involved in the business of steelmaking and engineering. Stanley Baldwin went on to become Prime Minister. Herbert Austin was a world-famous county industrialist and entrepreneur.

He lived in Bromsgrove and founded the huge Austin works at Longbridge in the county. Millions of vehicles and aircraft were made at this site, many being exported throughout the world. Thousands of Worcestershire people have worked at 'The Austin' over the years.

An organisation that has had a major influence throughout the world is QinetiQ, formerly TRE, RRE, RSRSE, DERA. Since the establishment moved to Malvern during the war it has been instrumental in numerous cutting-edge high tech innovations in the military, aerospace and IT spheres, in particular, radar, thermal imaging, LCDs, laser and satellite communications.

N WINTER,

Worcester.