A business which specialises in fostering links between Gloucestershire and Chinese companies has just totted up how much its guests spent while visiting the county.

Join in China, which acts as a catalyst for business relationships between county and Chinese firms wanting to meet to discuss business, regularly welcomes delegates to the Cotswolds.

And it has discovered that already this year those who have reached Gloucestershire firms through its services have spent a hefty sum in the county's hotels, restaurant and public houses.

"I have just got the figure back and been told it is £150,000. That is spending by big and small businesses which we have worked with this year - so far," said Qing Lin (pictured), chief executive of Join in China, which is based Cirencester.

All of which Join in China feel hints at the potential money to be made by Gloucestershire businesses which see opportunities in China.

"We have been running for seven years now - since 2012. Working with private companies and with the UKTI," said Ms Lin, who is Chinese born, speaks five languages and holds dual nationality.

"We have supported named brands, inventors, national agencies. When Theresa May signed a trade agreement with China that marked a new era of collaboration."

She added: "What we do is build bridges. We hold hands, we help safeguard UK businesses when they enter China and we help them make connections. We are the grease between the wheels. And we are a 100 per cent British firm."