LORETO Grammar School linguist Kathleen McGeough is looking forward to a trip of a lifetime - after coming second in an advanced Mandarin speaking competition.

The 18-year-old, from Sale, will spend two weeks in China in April after achieving the runner-up spot in the event organised by the British Council.

After travelling to Beijing the lucky student will get a chance to see some of the country’s most spectacular sights, including the Great Wall of China.

The competition was held at the British Museum recently and Kathleen said, modestly: “I enjoyed the day especially when my part in it was over, but before going on the stage it was very nerve wracking. Everyone else seemed to be speaking with such confidence.”