A PARK'S bream, roach, carp and tench were fish out of water when work on a major facelift of their home began yesterday.

The residents of the Victorian lake, in Middlesbrough's Albert Park, are being removed from their unhealthy pool which is to be drained, cleaned out and restored in a two year programme.

Thousands of fish are being removed from the park lake over the next three days , to take up temporary lodgings at Hemlington Lake.

Ron Thompson of Middlesbrough Angling Club said: "Albert Park used to be the best still water fishery in the North-East.

"This project will re-establish that popularity, making Middlesbrough one of the major angling venues in the country offering a range of fishing opportunities at both lakes.''

School children are being invited to the lake to witness the mass removal of fish which is being undertaken by the Environment Agency.

Sue Houghton, Middlesbrough Council's Development Services Manager, said: "We're keen that this unique venture doesn't go unnoticed. Schools in the area will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the mass removal of fish - mainly carp and bream - from the lake.''