AMBASSADORS for the city have backed "long-overdue" plans to transform Worcester's parks and riversides into major tourist attractions.

The ambitious multi-million pound project to revitalise the River Severn - including a new bridge, wetland area and leisure facilities - will be publicly unveiled next week.

And councillors who have already seen the plans are thrilled with the way they have taken shape.

"The Severn used to be one of the busiest rivers in Europe, but recently Worcester has not made the most of the asset," said the mayor Gareth Jones. "This redevelopment is what people want to see and what the city needs.

"It's about time this scheme was moved forward and it is certainly an exciting time for Worcester. Everyone wants a cleaner, greener and safer environment and this is what we are working towards."

His predecessor, the mayor, Robert Rowden, agreed the regeneration of the Severn was much-needed.

"It is long overdue but, now it is happening, it will be wonderful," he said. "The river has not been promoted as well as it could have been and this project will be absolutely fantastic."

Chris Dobbs, one of the landscape architects leading Worcester's revitalisation, agreed the city had a great deal to look forward to in the future.

"There is a lot happening in the next two or three years and it's an exciting time for the city," he said.