A GROUP of Indian professionals praised the people of Worcester for their warm welcome during an exchange trip.

The Rotary International, Foundation Group Study Exchange initiative has enabled the team of five to come to the city from Mumbai to see what Hereford and Worcester has to offer.

The trip was designed to enable the group to observe vocational and cultural practices in this country.

Team leader Dr Chandu Kolvekar was joined by Sharang Pant, Usha Iyengar, Sayli Udas, and Swati Gupta.

Mr Kolvekar, an anaesthesiologist, was thrilled with his stay and praised the hospitality of the Rotary hosts who looked after them.

"We found them, and the people of Worcester very warm," said the 45-year-old.

"We did not miss our homes as much because the host families made a special effort to make us feel more comfortable."

Sayli Udas, a journalist for a newspaper in Mumbai spent a day at the Evening News and was equally impressed.

"I am going to take back great memories of a city which has wonderful people, rich family values and a very rich tradition and culture, which I hope people will preserve and cherish," said the 26-year-old.

Excursions to the cities' rotary clubs, a meeting with the Mayor of Worcester, Allah Ditta and a day of vocational visits to locations such as the Worcester Technical College and Worcestershire County Council were on the agenda.

The team departed for Hereford on Saturday and will be visiting other destinations, including Cheltenham and Swindon.

Human resource manager Swati Gupta highlighted the cultural benefits of the trip.

"Understanding the similarities and the differences between the two cultures have been very important," said the 27-year-old.

"I think Worcester is amazing and very interesting and I must congratulate the people on how they have preserved the heritage."

The group is due to depart for India on Monday, March 14.