A COLLABORATION of Bolton-based organisations welcomed a group of 11 Chinese schoolchildren to the town.

OLC (Europe) Ltd – also known as OLC Colleges of Castle Street, Bolton – provided the children with a series of practical English language sessions from dinner manners to football English at their Manchester and Bolton campuses.

The children were shown the sites of London and Manchester by Dr Chris Bamber of OLC Colleges before arriving in Manchester on July 31 and Bolton on the August 4.

Dr Bamber said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the college as we specialise in higher education, in particular HND in business and education and training qualifications. We hope to extend our international learning provision and welcome many more students of all ages to the region."

Mossbank Junior Football Club welcomed the Chinese students and provided equipment and facilities while Bolton and Bury District Football League (BBDFL) general secretary, Chris Rees, arranged for coaching in football skills and an introduction to football English.

Mossbank hosted a game between their under-10s and the Chinese children with Bolton sportswear firm Matchwinner supplying commemorative football shirts for the visiting children.

Lisa Rees, of OLC Colleges, said: “It has been a pleasure to teach the Chinese students.

"They have worked very hard and successfully completed their English language exams.

“The children of Mossbank Under 10s did the town proud. They were very helpful and respectful. The children met before the match and chatted using each other’s languages.”