STUDENTS at St Helens College have been given an insight into Chinese culture.

As part of a partnership with the Liverpool Confucius Institute, the college is aiming to help its students to prepare for the world's ever changing jobs market.

Over a 10-week period, student from the Travel and Tourism level three course are undertaking two hours of Mandarin lessons each week to gain an understanding of the Chinese culture and to develop crucial foreign language skills.

The classes are taught by Dr Sun, who has specialised in neurological science for more than twenty years in China.

Now lecturing at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Integrative Biology, Dr Sun also passes her authentic Mandarin language skills onto businesses, schools and colleges around Merseyside.

Dr Sun said: "It is important for young British people to learn Mandarin because it can help them to secure employment not only in China and in the UK, but in a range of other countries too.

"I hope my students not only take away Mandarin language skills but also an understanding of the Chinese culture. China has a beautiful history, philosophies, art, nature and natural medicines.

"The students have enjoyed it very much and have been so easy to teach."

In their lessons they have got to grips with Mandarin language, Tai-Chi and helping to cook Chinese cuisine, including dumplings.

Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Frodsham, from Rainford, said: "It's been really good and very interesting and we are learning new things every day. The tutors are all very nice and a really supportive."