By James Hawley
HM Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire

Staffordshire is a county with a lot to be proud of. It is a wonderful place to live and a fascinating place to visit.

It is a county of stunning diversity, with a mixture of historic towns and breathtaking countryside. We are also proud of our progressive universities and an economy that is buoyant and modern.

Staffordshire is therefore a place where tradition lives harmoniously with innovation.

We are particularly honoured to be the home of the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas. 2007 marked the dedication by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, of the Armed Forces Memorial. This magnificent memorial honours almost 16,000 people who have given their lives in service to their country since the end of the Second World War.

Our heritage sites date back further than Roman times, and include the magnificent cathedral at Lichfield which can trace its roots back to 700AD. Shugborough has some of the finest landscaped parkland in the country while Biddulph Grange is a wonderful Victorian masterpiece.

Our countryside is a place of fantastic contrasts, with the rugged and majestic Peak District of the north giving way to the green rolling landscapes of the rest of the county. Cannock Chase is one of Europe's most important heathland habitats and a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors. Staffordshire is also criss-crossed with the finest canal network in England, and this is a favourite way for many people to enjoy the scenery.

For those that enjoy their leisure more adrenalin-fuelled, Alton Towers and Drayton Manor are two of the country's premier theme parks.

Our industrial base has changed beyond recognition in recent decades. The dependence on coal and heavy industry has been replaced by an economy that is fuelled by high-tech manufacturing and service sectors. We also have educational establishments that are at the cutting edge of research in several fields.

Most importantly, visitors to Staffordshire will always find the people of the county friendly and welcoming.