A CEREMONIAL Chinese arch nearing completion was handed over to a North-East city yesterday.

The company that designed the arch, Changsu Classical Gardens Architectural Engineering Company, in the Shanghai area of China, sent manager Yu Xian Lin to hand the arch to Newcastle City Council and the city's sheriff, Councillor David Slesenger.

Although main construction work is over, finishing touches to the decorative arch will continue for some weeks, along with work to redesign the layout of St Andrew's Street and to pave the area where the arch is.

It is, however, expected to take centre stage for the Chinese New Year celebrations on February 13.

Coun Slesenger said: "It is important that each stage in the arrival of the arch is celebrated, and this latest ceremony marks one of a series of important landmarks in its construction.

"The traditions that have been followed in the design and construction process add further interest to this truly fascinating, landmark entrance to Newcastle's Chinatown."

John Holmes, of development agency One NorthEast, said: "The handover ceremony is marking an important stage in this project, which will provide an artistic entrance to Newcastle's Chinatown and is certain to benefit the region's economy.

"On completion, this project will help to increase tourism in the area and is a continuation of Newcastle's successful Grainger Town Project."

Twelve traditional craftsmen from China have been working on the arch since November.

The arch, just over 11 metres high, has been designed and built in the style of a Chinese royal palace.

Made of wood and stone, it is decorated with glazed tiles and elaborate paintings.

The total cost of £475,000 was funded by the city council, One NorthEast, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Sponsors Club for Arts and Business and the Chinese community.