EXPERTS working to shore up the crumbling Great Wall of China have turned to the North-East for some advice.

A Chinese delegation were at Hadrian's Wall on a fact-finding visit researching the heritage and conservation of the region's own great wall.

The group included Tong Mingkang, vice-director from the state administration of cultural heritage of China, as well as its commissioner Guo Zhan and Zhang Jianxin, director of division of foreign affairs.

Their trip to the wall was part of a UK tour of heritage attractions, which also included Stonehenge and Durham Cathedral.

Hadrian's Wall Heritage spokesman Vineet Lal said: "They are here in the UK to look specifically at European heritage protection systems, including the listing and protection of ancient monuments and buildings.

"Hadrian's Wall is part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site, which is one of the world's best-preserved Roman monuments.

"During their tour of the wall, the delegates spoke to experts from English Heritage and The National Trust about how the wall is managed and protected, looking at best practice for managing, excavating and preserving historic remains."

The group also met officials from Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd to discuss their management plan for the wall and how they treat the delicate balance between protecting Hadrian's Wall and welcoming visitors to experience the Roman structure.

Mr Mingkang, the most senior official looking after the Great Wall of China, said: "In China, we are very proud of our Great Wall and you British should feel just as proud."

Only last week archaeologists announced the discovery of a new section of the Great Wall near the Mongolian border - the northernmost section ever found.

After decades of neglect and intentional destruction The Great Wall is crumbling and riddled with relatively new gaps.

Now a new national law aims to protect the national treasure.

According to a survey carried out last June by the Great Wall Society of China, 30 per cent of the Great Wall is in ruins and another 20 per cent is in a "reasonable condition" - the remaining 50 per cent has already disappeared.