American park rangers are swapping the Bronx for Brookfield to share ideas on regenerating run-down parks.

Two top New York city park rangers will arrive in Preston on Friday to speak at a conference at the Guild Hall, which will examine how park rangers can help turn run-down derelict areas into public spaces, enjoyed by residents.

New York head ranger, Sarah Aucoin, and colleague Sara Hobel, director of urban park ranger services, will also visit Grange Park's ranger, John Robinson, who helped transform the Preston park.

Mr Robinson took up the post in 2000 and has turned the park into an inner city oasis.

In 2002 it became a Green Flag park for high standards of maintenance, community involvement and overall management of the area.

New York introduced an Urban Park Ranger Force, in 1979, which helped turn many of its derelict open spaces into the world famous parks they are today.

Ms Aucion said she is always asked about the famous Central Park but said her favourite park was Van Cortlandt park in the Bronx, where she lives.

Once I was called out to an animal rescue in the park, because someone called in and said they had seen a black bear only to find it was a big black Newfoundland dog."

Ms Aucion, who has been a ranger for five years in New York, said the notorious Bronx does not live up to its tough image and is fast becoming a "hip" place to live.

Preston currently has six park rangers, and is due to get two more in April.