A TORBAY special school is leading the way by forging educational links with two similar schools in China.

Combe Pafford Business and Enterprise School is believed to be the first of its kind to organise exchange visits with vocational schools in Beijing.

Combe Pafford head teacher Michael Lock set up the scheme after he was inspired by his trip to Beijing in October 2007 when he won a teaching award.

A party of 10 youngsters and four adults from Combe Pafford paid a visit to Beijing, where the pupils spent a week joining in vocational lessons, and saw the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

The school has also made contact with the Donfang school, which runs horticultural vocational courses.

Four teachers from Donfang have paid a fact-finding visit to Torbay, and Combe Pafford is planning a second trip to Beijing in October, with groups of pupils and teachers due to visit both schools.

Mr Lock said: "We are trying to raise awareness of the wider world, and more importantly raise the aspirations of our youngsters.

"Our Chinese hosts have been fantastic. They were very hospitable, and we were determined to return the compliment when they visited us, treating them to a traditional roast lunch as well as a Chinese restaurant meal."

During their visit the Chinese teachers were welcomed to Torquay Town Hall by Torbay Council vice-chairman Cllr Matthew Phillips and people commissioner Dr Carol Tozer.

As well as spending time with pupils and staff at Combe Pafford, the also visited South Devon College, Paignton Zoo, Babbacombe Model Village and Occombe Farm, with trips further afield to the Eden Project and Bath.

Cllr Phillips said: "We were delighted to welcome our Chinese visitors to the Town Hall, and we hope they will return to Beijing with many happy memories of their time in Torbay."

Mr Lock said they were very grateful to the British Council, local Rotary clubs and other sponsors who were helping to fund the trips to China, and they were looking forward to future exchange trips involving teachers and pupils.