YORK has been hailed as an international example for economic success.

A delegation of Russians visited the city as part of a bid to create new employment for former nuclear weapons scientists and technicians.

The 22 Russians visited York Science Park as part of a fact-finding mission to the UK led by the UK-Russia Closed Nuclear Cities Partnership (CNCP) programme.

The programme was launched at the G8 summit in 2002 to combat the threat of nuclear proliferation, the key objective being to create sustainable job opportunities for former weapons workers by supporting technology-based civil enterprises.

Charles Monck, the organiser of the mission, said York had been selected as a “relevant and comparable model” to the Closed Nuclear Cities in Russia.

“York’s success in building up its knowledge economy is a good example of what can be achieved when cities take the initiative and adopt a targeted approach to developing their economies,” he said.

Imogen Foster, a spokeswoman for Science City York, said York’s selection to host the Russian delegation was a testament to the influence and value of the strategic partnership between the city and the University of York.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome the CNCP delegation to York and an important opportunity to evidence our achievements over the last decade.”

Tracey Smith, the Science Park’s general manager, said it was keen to continue developing international links and staff had been pleased to show the Russian delegation how it had become one of the key local drivers for economic growth. “York Science Park is seen as a world-class facility which now has over 1,400 people currently working on our 21-acre site, in 96 different technology and science-based companies,” she said.

The delegation comprised representatives from The Russian Federal Agency for Atomic Energy, leaders from the main nuclear research and production enterprises, mayors and senior administrative staff and business support agencies.

Their tour included a visit to Tissue Regenix, which is dedicated to the development of clinical solutions to the chronic shortfalls in donor tissue in areas such as vascular and orthopaedic medicine.