FORGET the non-stop carnival currently touring South Africa, or Nasser Hussain's Yuletide battle to steer his hapless troops towards at least one Ashes victory.

Despite the era of a rolling, all-year cricket merry-go-round, our normal anticipation of the new season comes when the green shoots on trees around New Road turn to leaves and the sweet smell of freshly-mown grass drifts across the riverside.

Today, to lift our spirits in a week dominated by talk of war, the hint of civilised English summer days comes early with the news that Worcestershire County Cricket Club has won city support to build two new spectator stands.

The £450,000 plans were initially rejected by planning committee members in December who were concerned that the stands and a new scoreboard would block the ground's legendary Cathedral vista.

But the new plans have delighted councillors, and rightly so, because - as Coun Geoff Williams says - the cricket club is special to the city.

The new development, though, will be more than that.

Our unapologetic backing of Worcester City's dream of a new stadium in Nunnery Way sought to paint a picture of the Faithful City as a place with an enviable reputation to live in and visit.

How many cities are on the cusp of boasting an an international-standard rugby club, international rowing and international cricket facilities, as well as a revitalised horse racing course, and a football club pushing for League status?

We think that speaks volumes. The sooner it's a reality, the better.