FORGET Richard Branson and Anita Roddick, two Bury Grammar School pupils have the future in their hands.

Claire Taylor (17) and Hannah Townley (16) have been chosen to visit China and Hong Kong as "business and social leaders of the future".

The girls are among 18 sixth-form students from Greater Manchester who will take part in the visit, where they will learn about the business world and experience different community projects in China.

The three-week trip is organised by the Scientific Exploration Society, the Institute of Directors and British Airways.

After a vigorous selection process including a team-building weekend at the Krypton Factor assault course in Holcombe, they were singled-out for their leadership skills.

Hannah and Claire will visit Beijing, Manchester's twin city of Wuhan, Chengdu and the Tibetan foothills before coming back to Manchester via Hong Kong.

Hannah, from Perry Mead in Prestwich, is very excited about the chance to visit China. She said: "I'm delighted and honoured to have been chosen for such a worthwhile project."

Claire, from Heywood, agreed. "I'm really looking forward to visiting China and happy to have been chosen," she said.

Hannah and Claire need to raise £800 towards the cost of their expedition and are looking for sponsorship from companies in the Bury area. Anyone who can help should call Bury Grammar School on 0161 797 2808.

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