FOR those of a classical leaning the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart earlier this year cannot have gone unnoticed.

The legacy this man left us with was commemorated with gusto.

Most people won't be surprised that the Austrian cities of Salzburg and Vienna capitalise on their association with this remarkable composer and that their people and economies are much richer for it.

Next June our city celebrates a significant birthday, the 150th of our very own Mozart - the man we frequently call Worcestershire's favourite son - Sir Edward Elgar.

Elgar School of Music's chairman of governors David Wright and principal Donald Hunt, following a visit to Mozart's homeland, believe it is time the city cashed in on our good fortune as the home county of Britain's greatest composer.

Mr Wright is right when he says the Faithful City should be doing the same as nearby Stratford-on-Avon does with William Shakespeare.

He said: "From a purely selfish point of view, there's money to be made and Worcester is looking to attract more tourists."

Mr Wright and Mr Hunt propose a concert hall and an Elgar Information Centre in the city. Inspired by their Mozart experience they have a vision of what is possible here.

We applaud their foresight and hope there are entrepreneurs and influential businessmen out there with the conviction to make this dream a reality. Then maybe we will see many more of those £20 notes in this city which show off our two greatest assets - our cathedral and Sir Edward Elgar.