MOST of the letters about Southamp-ton's wow factor have concerned the Spitfire.

Like most Sotonians I am proud of the part our city took in the development and building of this famous aircraft. As this has been already celebrated by our neighbours in Eastleigh, by erecting a realistic model on the approach to the airport, perhaps Southampton should look for elsewhere for a wow factor.

Having lived here all my life, I remember the large signs proclaiming Southampton to be The Gateway to the Empire. Our maritime history is formidable, so why not promote this aspect of our heritage as the wow factor?

Why not value the story of the pioneering Mayflower, sailing to the unknown New World, remember the loss of our city's sons on Titanic, the majestic Queen Mary and Elizabeth who along with their rivals United States and France have all held the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic.

The Mary, Lizzie and Canberra along with other famous liners and cruise ships have served as hospital and troop ships.

The QE2 along with QM2 and the new Queen Victoria together with an ever increasing number of new cruise ships will carry on our maritime heritage and will be part of Southampton's history still to be written.

We should be proud of our heritage and display it with pride for all to see.

ROBERT BLANDFORD, Bitterne Park, Southampton.