DOZENS of fish will be returned to their home waters today after a year's absence - and they could be forgiven for failing to recognise their surroundings.

As well as repairing the surface of the lake at Newcastle's Leazes Park, workers have transformed it by removing a large amount of silt from the bottom.

The fish were removed from the boating lake in April last year prior to it being drained for repair as part of the Heritage Lottery-funded restoration.

The carp, bream and tench will be carefully caught in nets and electronets by Anglers Association volunteers, before being transported from their temporary home at Exhibition Park in a special oxygenated tank.