THE US Ambassador to Britain has replied to a joint message of sympathy and condolence sent from Malvern following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Ambassador William S Fariah wrote to the district council this week asking it to pass on his grateful thanks to local people.

He said: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind message of comfort and support following the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11. The magnificent outpouring of sympathy in Britain has deeply moved all Americans.

"Your message will strengthen our resolve to fight the forces of terrorism and hatred. Freedom-loving people everywhere must come together to resist the scourge of lunaticism and reassert our common humanity."