HEREFORDSHIRE'S economy is worth £2.5 billion according to the latest county-by-county analysis of commercial activity in the UK.

The sum is set by GVA (Gross Value Added) calculations that represent the difference between the value of goods and services and the cost of their manufacture and production.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council cabinet member for economic development, said the figure represented a growth rate of around 4.3%.

"That puts us in a far better position than most comparable counties to come through the current slowdown," said Coun Blackshaw.

IT - with its related specialisms - is currently the county's fastest expanding economic sector, seeing 15% growth over the past three years alone.