TWO American diplomats visited Worcester in a bid to encourage tourism and develop trade links.

Kit Traub, acting minister-counsellor for political affairs, and Justine Lancaster, political specialist of the United States Embassy in London, were the guests of Grant Simmonds, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society .

At the Commandery, Mr Simmonds chaired an informal meeting with the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Alan Amos, and also key representatives from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire LEP, Worcester Cathedral, Museums of Worcestershire, Destination Worcestershire and Worcestershire Historical Society.

Joined by Richard Shaw and Vaughan Wiltshire of the executive committee of the Battle of Worcester Society , the American visitors then went to the University of Worcester where they were welcomed by chief executive David Green and shown around both the Old Infirmary campus and also Europe’s first joint public and university at The Hive. The party then toured the University Arena and met with Sophie Carrigall, captain of the University’s women’s wheelchair basketball team.

In the afternoon the diplomats met Dean Thornewell, president of the Worcester based US Company Joy Global Eurasia and also with Ruth Scotson, the assistant principal, and students of Worcester Sixth Form College to discuss “What does the Special Relationship mean to you”

At the end of the visit Mr Simmonds presented the diplomats with a maquette sculptured by Ken Potts of American Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on their visit to Worcester in 1786 and also two copies of Essays on the Battle of Worcester 1651.

Mr Traub said: "I am delighted to have visited Worcester and to have seen for myself the city's rich history, which has coloured its approach to life based on equality, accommodation of all and the sharing of ideas and opportunities. This is immediately evident at the Hive and the inclusive sports program at Worcester University today, with ancient roots and inspiration drawn from living links to the English Civil War and Magna Carta. I hope to be back again soon. In the meantime we will facilitate cooperation between the city’s leadership and embassy colleagues who are expert in developing trade and tourism links between our two countries."