WORCESTER can boast of many delights to entertain resident and visitor alike but there are few facilities that can rival the universal appeal of Pitchcroft. Like the Cathedral, it has not only witnessed a thousand years of the Faithful City's history but has, down the years, provided a much-loved open space for our citizens.

In recent times, the vandalism that blights all our lives has made its unwelcome intrusion on these green acres, and even this sacred turf was starting to look a little time-worn.

It therefore gives this newspaper great pleasure to report today that a £1m regeneration of Pitchcroft has been unveiled. There is now a refurbished grandstand, three hospitality suites plus their attendant units. And keeping a close watch will be those CCTV cameras that now play such a vital role in this troubled age.

The Worcester News has always approved of the co-operation between Arena Leisure and the city council. The marriage of the public interest and private endeavour seems to have worked well in preserving this Severnside meadow.

We are also happy to report that the public right to access the site remains intact - although Arena runs the grandstand and racecourse, the council still owns the site itself. This means that the people of Worcester will continue to be permitted to enjoy the riverside setting as they walk their dogs or picnic in the summer.

Never mind those March winds and rain. We know the sun is shining over Pitchcroft today.