A FACT-FINDING delegation from the fjords of Norway will arrive at the World Heritage Site of Saltaire this week and be given a guided tour of the historic village.

The visitors from the Telemark region arrive in the Bradford district tomorrow and the city’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Coun Roger L’Amie, will officially welcome them at an event in Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Telemark, which is bidding to become a World Heritage Site has a significant canal network and historic industrial sites and Bradford Council is working with the Canal & River Trust, which has organised the trip.

The Norwegians are keen to learn more about the canals of England and Wales with specific reference to how waterways are managed in areas with World Heritage designation.

They also want to see how being a World Heritage Site can benefit local businesses.

Bradford Council’s World Heritage Site Officer, Helen Thornton, has recently presented the new Saltaire Site Management Draft Delivery Plan, which is aimed at further boosting the area as a tourist destination.

She will present information about Saltaire and then local volunteers from the Saltaire Stories Project will deliver a tour around the model industrial village.

Saltaire Stories is a new joint venture between the United Reformed church, Shipley College and the Salt Foundation and one of its steering group, Molly Kenyon said this visit presented a great opportunity.

She said: "We are really looking forward to sharing stories and engaging with the Norwegian visitors as we walk around with them.

"Our belief is that Saltaire is an outdoor classroom for the world where one can explore virtually any theme."

Cllr Val Slater, Bradford Council’s Heritage Champion, said: "We are always keen to welcome visitors wanting to learn more about our unique World Heritage site and explain our plans for its future.

"We hope they have a great time and can take away important lessons which will be helpful to their own application for World Heritage status.”

Stephen Higham, European funding manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: "We have a strong history of working closely with the Telemark region and have delivered a number of joint projects over the past few years which have been really positive for us both.”