THE past met the future yesterday when ancient artefacts from Reading Museum were unveiled at WorldCom's headquarters.

A Roman flagon from the first

century AD and a medieval jug from the mid 19th century take pride of place in the exhibition.

The relics have been loaned to the communications company, based at the Reading International Business Park, as part of its aim to build links with the community.

Jenny Bolton-Clark, the company's international property design

manager, said: "We are delighted to be building these links with such key community resources like the Museum of Reading.

"It is important for our staff to

know the cultural benefits that are on offer in Reading and this is an

excellent way to help build those links."

Part of a four-year deal between the two, the pieces will be on show at WorldCom for the next six months before a new batch is received.