SUPPORTERS of the region's parks have met to share ideas on the future of the areas.

Groups which support and look after parks in Sunderland visited colleagues in Hartlepool to forge closer links and share ideas.

The friends of Sunderland's Hylton Castle Dene and Roker parks met friends groups from Summerhill, Ward Jackson and Rossmere parks in Hartlepool to talk about ways in which the areas have developed.

The visit followed a trip to Sunderland by the Friends of the Hartlepool parks.

Eddie Price, Hartlepool Council's Community Development Officer was tour guide for the visit.

He said: "The visit to Sunderland was a tremendous success and it was nice that Hartlepool had an opportunity to return the hospitality.

"The return visit was a great success. With so many exciting developments in our Hartlepool parks, there was certainly a lot for the visitors to see and hear about."

He said the meetings provided an excellent opportunity for people to exchange ideas and information.