A DELEGATION from Bolton headed to China on Thursday to strike a deal that could bring millions of pounds into Bolton from the world's fastest-growing economy.

The 12-strong group of council chiefs, business, health and education bosses will sign a sister city agreement with the Zhaoqing municipality in the booming Guandong province in the South of China.

It is believed this will enable Bolton to forge links with schools and universities, health bodies, tourist outlets and businesses in one of the most economically diverse areas of China.

The four-day visit includes tours of some of the city's biggest companies and hi-tech development zones, a visit to Zhaoqing University and meetings with Government officials and local Communist Party members.

The Sister City agreement will state: "The two parties shall carry out a wide range of exchanges and co-operation in economy, trade, science, culture, education, sport, public health and human resources in order to promote common prosperity and development."

The idea of the agreement was prompted by the number of Chinese students enrolling at the University of Bolton, a link which saw the town play host to officials from Zhaoqing last year.

Assistant director of central services for Bolton Council, Des Grogan, said: "China is the fastest-growing economy in the world and the Government is encouraging us to get involved at different levels.

"A couple of years ago, they sent a delegation over from Zhaoqing to Bolton, we met them and they asked us to consider signing a sister city agreement. We said yes', in principle, and that is now coming to fruition.

"They are very interested in joint economic development, and they have a huge surplus of doctors and nurses. There are also opportunities involving tourism, which could have real benefits for Bolton. The other big area is education and they are very keen to establish links with schools.

"We should see these benefits over the next five or 10 years.

"The one thing we have to be careful about is not exporting jobs from Bolton to China. Other cities have done similar things and we have learnt lessons from them."

It has already been established that the Chinese will send people to Bolton to teach Mandarin.

Health-wise, Zhaoqing has a large teaching hospital and is anxious to develop links with the West.

Delegates from Bolton include Mayor Councillor Frank White; council leader Barbara Ronson; Bolton Council chief executive Bernard Knight; leader of the Conservative group Cllr Alan Rushton; council director of development and regeneration Keith Davies; deputy director of children's services Brian Shaw; chairman of Bolton Acute Hospital Trust and Labour leader Cllr Cliff Morris; council assistant director of central services Des Grogan; chief executive of Bolton Acute Hospital Trust David Fillingham; chief executive of Bolton Primary Care Trust Kevin Snee; president of Greater Manchester Chamber of Trade Paul Norris and MIDAS international business development adviser Marilyn Steane.