ENVIRONMENTAL experts from Brazil swapped rainforest for Wyre Forest when they visited Kidderminster on a fact-finding mission.

The Environment Agency hosted the visit by officers from SEMA, the State Environment Agency of Amapa, in northern Amazonia, the final visit in the group's Midlands itinerary.

SEMA delegates visited the town to get an insight into work being carried out by the agency and other organisations to improve the quality of water in the River Stour and regenerate the town centre.

The town was chosen as an example of a government agency working in liaison with a community and other agencies to provide solutions to environmental and social problems.