WITH one billion people and the world's fastest growing economy China is never far from the news.Now a group of Gorleston students are set to discover the reality of life in the country's biggest city Shanghai.

WITH one billion people and the world's fastest growing economy China is never far from the news.

Now a group of Gorleston students are set to discover the reality of life in the country's biggest city Shanghai.

The party from Cliff Park High School departs tomorrow for what promises to be a trip of a lifetime.

During the two week stay the young people will be organising a sports festival for up to 300 students at the Changle School.

The partnership with Changle School was set up through the Youth Sports Trust Dreams and Teams programme.

The 12 students, from across all year groups, were selected to take part in the trip and had to be involved in leadership roles at the school.

Jared Thompson, 15, is a young ambassador for the 2012 London Olympics and will be helping to organise dance classes during the trip.

He said: “I really want to see how the students learn and what experiences we can bring back from the education system in China.

“We met the school's head teacher when he came here last year and I'm looking forward to seeing what it is like first hand.

“I have been practising with chopsticks and learning a few simple Chinese words to help me while I'm there.”

Fifteen year old Shanice Webster will be part of a leadership, communication and confidence group at the sport festival.

Like Jared, Shanice is a young ambassador for the Olympics and involved in leadership programmes at the school.

She said: “We will be making video diaries while there and should do a presentation in assembly.

“I am hoping to develop my leadership skills going to China and the experience will be very useful as I am thinking about a career in teaching.”

The students are joined on the trip by head teacher Mark Bailie, director of specialism Richard Stockings and dance instructor Paula Knapman.

Special jackets were provided for the group by the Dance Shop in Gorleston and almost �9,000 in sponsorship money raised to help pay for the trip.

Funding was provided by Fugro Alluvial Offshore, The British Council, Norfolk County Council, The Tiger Woods Foundation, Potters Leisure Resort and Fineline Communications.