A NORTH-EAST attraction will benefit from Oriental ideas following a two-week fact-finding trip.

Keith Pimm, secretary of the Exhibition and Brandling Parks Community Trust, in Newcastle, has returned from Japan, where he saw examples of how to regenerate green spaces and encourage people to look after the countryside.

The trust wants to create the same enthusiasm in Newcastle, and involve people from across the city in restoring Exhibition Park.

Mr Pimm said: "When I was in Japan, I was fortunate enough to see some wonderful examples of parks in schools and residential areas, which have been developed and cared for with the involvement of local people."

Steps to restore Exhibition Park began last year with a planning event at the University of Newcastle.

There have since been a series of events at the park, which have included a carnival weekend and a series of bulb planting sessions.