The Chinese language skills of a 22-year-old international business development worker won him an invitation to a Chinese embassy banquet.

Blair Sugarman of Totteridge was among winners of a Chinese speaking competition, for which he recited a Taiwanese poem and spoke about his year in northern China.

As well as enjoying a traditional Chinese meal, the Edinburgh University graduate talked to the ambassador, Lui Xiaoming. Mr Sugarman says "Mandarin is such an important skill given the economic importance China has.

"I really want to encourage others to take it up."