A GROUP of Russian environmentalists were given a warm welcome in the North-East as they arrived on a fortnight fact-sharing expedition.

The party, from Ekaterinburg, in the Urals, will swap notes with various experts in the region to promote environmental improvements and a sustainable future.

Representatives of seven groups travelled to Britain as part of the Government-sponsored Know How Fund, an international effort to develop environmentally-friendly communities.

They were welcomed by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ken Murray, at his parlour at the civic centre.

Links to promote green schemes have been ongoing between environmental experts in Ekaterinburg and their counterparts in Sunderland since 1999.

The Russians are said to have expertise in recycling, environmental regeneration and social inclusion. During their stay, they will visit local groups which are involved in activities staged as part of Environment Action Week, from Monday.

They will also work with an eco-school group and give a presentation, Healthy Living in Russia.