The US experts visited Plymouth in January

It is hoped the team responsible for the city's regeneration will benefit from a closer look at the work behind the transformation of the economies of a number of US cities.

Alan Berry from the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) will visit the US as part of the Plymouth City Growth Strategy (PCGS).

The PCGS is based on a successful American regeneration model and Plymouth is one of only four areas in the UK to pilot the national initiative.

The visit will allow me to look at how the city has overcome problems and kick-started its entrepreneurial spirit Alan Berry, South West RDA

"My visit to Boston will give the RDA a chance to exchange ideas with the American consultants on how best to take forward regeneration projects," said Mr Berry.

"Visiting the city will allow me to explore the work which has been undertaken and to look at how the city has overcome problems and kick-started its entrepreneurial spirit.

He said the growth strategy would look at ways of "unlocking the further potential of Plymouth's existing industrial and business strengths".

The team will be trying to draw more visitors to the city, capitalise on the marine sector, promote the availability and quality of business sites and sports and cultural events.

A team of American consultants has also been appointed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help the RDA oversee the successful delivery of the programme in the UK.

Three of the US team, who have worked on regeneration projects in American cities with similar economic problems, visited Plymouth in January to gain an understanding of its problems.