A MOUTHWATERING meal awaits a Chinese delegation on a fact-finding visit to the North-East.

The five-member team, travelling under the auspices of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) are to be treated to delicacies caught off the Tees coast.

Top of the seafood buffet will be freshly caught lobster. The shellfish surprise is being prepared by volunteers in the Skinningrove Riverside Community Caf, east Cleveland, tomorrow.

Once refreshed, the visitors will embark on a tour of child- care facilities in east Cleveland ranging from the Sure Start's Community playbus and the Time 4 U volunteers' creche.

Chris Bell, east Cleveland Sure Start programme manager, said: "We've got a busy programme planned, including the chance for the delegation to see how we empower local parents with management and volunteer training.''

Redcar and Cleveland has four Sure Start programmes across the borough.

Sure Start co-ordinator Julie Conner said: "We are very proud of the work being done at all our programmes and we're delighted to be able to showcase what we do to our Chinese visitors.''