A DELEGATION from China has been seeking tips on economic development during a four-day fact-finding mission.

The party, from the Chinese Embassy in London, aims to build on the knowledge it gained throughout its stay in east Durham.

The visit was jointly organised by the District of Easington, Sedgefield Borough Council and Durham City Council.

Representatives from the Chinese Embassy had earlier signalled their wish to learn about old industries, such as mining, and how the North-East was successfully tackling regeneration and inward investment.

The leader of the delegation was Madam Chen Zhenmel, Counsellor of the Embassy and she was accompanied by Mr Guan Yin and Mr Zhang Jiming.

During their visit, the delegates were taken on a tour of the area's most successful developments, including the Dalton Flatts site, Seaham Link Road, and enterprise zone industrial estates at Dawdon, Foxcover and Seaham Grange.

Other highlights included a trip to Seaham Harbour Dock Company, a look at the redevelopment of Seaham Town Centre, the Turning the Tide Initiative, and new developments at Vane Tempest and Seaham Hall.

The group also dropped in at the Virtutel call centre at Brackenhill Business Park in Peterlee.

Their visit was rounded off with a tour of regeneration sites in Durham.