HOUSING tenants are taking part in an exchange scheme with residents on South Tyneside to look at ways of improving communities.

The scheme is part of an ongoing commitment by Coast and Country Housing to increase tenant participation.

Tenants visited the Cleadon Park Estate, South Tyneside, to give support to its Christmas tree dedication event.

Every year, residents place a bauble on the tree with a personal message, often in remembrance of a deceased relative and schoolchildren sing carols.

Coast and Country's Rex Broxham, chairman of east Cleveland area customer panel, handed over a bauble with a goodwill message from tenants of Coast and Country.

Residents then met at the family centre, where they discussed community issues and swapped ideas.

Maureen Hughes, from Cleadon Park Estate, said: "This latest visit strengthened our links with east Cleveland residents and we will work with them in the future to share best practice for the good of local communities across the North- East."

Steven Adey, area manager for Coast and Country, said: "The residents are showing a willingness to make their area a better place and we hope that more communities across the region get involved in similar ventures."