FEARS that the events of September 11 and the subsequent war on terrorism could jeopardise the future of an international sorting company in Malvern have proved unfounded.

Christchurch Road-based Wordsworth International has reported few of the losses it feared were inevitable four months ago.

"We're pretty much trading as normal," said Victoria Floyer-Acland, one of the company's directors.

"One or two projects have slowed down but otherwise there is no great change."

The firm, which supplies safety, security and fibre-optic communications equipment as well as long-term infrastructure development to the Middle East and Africa, actually experienced an upsurge in demand for metal detectors immediately after September 11.

The firm employs up to ten employees on a freelance basis, both in this country and abroad, and deals with private companies and governments, handling contracts of between £10,000 and £2 million.

Formed in 1994, the family business originally sold medical equipment but has diversified into other areas.